Aaron Rodgers Officially Joins the Steelers

After months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers has officially signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran quarterback, who will turn 42 during the 2025 season, is expected to start for the Steelers and bring his four-time MVP experience to the team.

Evaluating the Move

Analytics writer Seth Walder and NFL analyst Ben Solak have weighed in on the deal. Walder evaluates the signing based on multiple factors, including on-field impact, salary cap implications, and the Steelers' short- and long-term outlooks. Solak focuses on the scheme fit in the Steelers' offense and whether Rodgers can adapt to the team's playing style.

Rodgers' Recent Performance

Rodgers is coming off a challenging 2024 season with the New York Jets, where he ranked 25th in QBR (48.0). Despite having talented receivers like Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams, Rodgers struggled with a completion percentage over expectation of minus-5%. However, there is optimism that Rodgers was still recovering from a torn Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season.

Team Fit and Potential

The Steelers have a potentially great defense, ranked 10th in EPA per play last season, and a solid pass protection unit, ranked 13th in pass block win rate. With a strong pass rush led by T.J. Watt and a secondary featuring Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers could provide Rodgers with the support he needs to succeed.

Offensive Scheme

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith ran play-action 27% of the time last season, which aligns with Rodgers' strengths. However, Rodgers' preference for specific routes and his demand for perfection from his receivers could clash with the playing style of DK Metcalf, the Steelers' top wide receiver.

Conclusion

While there are risks associated with signing an aging quarterback, the move makes sense for the Steelers given the slim upside Rodgers still possesses and the lack of better alternatives. If Rodgers can hit his 85th percentile outcome, the Steelers could make a deep playoff run. However, the success of this move ultimately depends on Rodgers' ability to adapt to the Steelers' system and perform at a high level.

Grade: B (pending contract information)