The news around the league never seems to take a rest. There was big QB news on June 7 when Aaron Rodgers finally signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That contract can go up to $19.5 million and includes $10 million guaranteed.
While it seemed like this marriage was going to happen for a couple of months, it finally got across the finish line before minicamp.
The Steelers finally have their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but it's been revealed that Rodgers was Pittsburgh's third option, and a former Bears QB played a role in that.
Aaron Rodgers reportedly was Plan C for Pittsburgh -- behind Matthew Stafford and Justin Fields. https://t.co/aTN6yEy1gc
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 9, 2025
Aaron Rodgers Was 3rd Option for Steelers
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers attempted to trade for Matthew Stafford before trying to re-sign Justin Fields in free agency. Instead of going back to the Steel City, Fields joined the New York Jets on a two-year, $40 million deal that had $30 million guaranteed.
Fields spent the 2024 season with the Steelers, where he started in six games for them. He went 4-2 in those outings, tossing 1,106 yards, rushing for 289 yards, and scoring 10 total touchdowns. Despite that, he ended up getting benched in favor of Russell Wilson.
Fields didn't feel that comfort from the coaching staff and decided to head over to the Jets to replace Aaron Rodgers under new head coach Aaron Glenn.
Ironically enough, the Steelers AND Jets wanted Fields more than Rodgers, but Pittsburgh had to settle.
Rodgers spent the last two seasons in New York, and they were a massive disappointment, to say the least. He tore his Achilles in 2023 before leading New York to a 5-12 record.
The 41-year-old threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, yet finished with a 48.1 QBR, ranking 25th out of 32 qualified passers.
Rodgers' numbers aren't bad to the eye, but he didn't look like the same QB fans are accustomed to seeing. He can't move in the pocket, doesn't seem to like pushing the ball downfield, and seems rigid at times.
There's a reason the Jets went after Fields instead of Rodgers, and it's even more clear Pittsburgh wanted to go elsewhere as well.
Nonetheless, Chicago will get a chance to see Rodgers in person again when Pittsburgh travels to Soldier Field in Week 12.