“New guy every year there” - Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth makes feelings known on being locker neighbor with Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers had his first reps as the Pittsburgh Steelers' $13.65-million starter on Tuesday. He has already made a strong impression on at least one of his new teammates.

During minicamp on Tuesday, tight end Pat Freiermuth was asked about his thoughts on the multiple-time MVP getting the locker next to his. He responded:

"Yeah, I know new guy every year there for me, so I'm excited to meet him, and I will try to get to know him and work with him."

This was followed by Pat comparing Aaron Rodgers to franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger when speaking on teammate Cam Heyward's Not Just Football podcast (from 16:07 in the video below):

“I think he’s similar to Ben in a way where like he’s gonna trust you to where you’re gonna be, and he’s gonna throw you open. I can see on film where he’s expecting you to be somewhere, and if he trusts you, he’s gonna throw it to that spot and go let you make a play.”

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Aaron Rodgers calls decision to join Steelers "best for my soul"

In an alternate world, Aaron Rodgers would have retired after his stint with the New York Jets. And it would have been understandable: He'd had bad performances and losing records before, but none as disastrous as his sole full campaign there turned out to be.

Instead, he has decided to chase the Super Bowl one last time at Pittsburgh, which detractors are certain to dismiss as the delusions of an aging man. But during his presser, he was adamant that it was something else:

"This is a decision that was best for my soul. I felt like being here with [Mike Tomlin] and the guys they got — and the opportunity here — was the best for me. I'm excited to be here."

Aaron Rodgers will have a massive payday should he succeed. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Rodgers will be entitled to up to $5.85 million in incentives should he play at least 70% of the team's offensive snaps in the regular season, broken down as follows:

• $500,000 for making the playoffs
• $600,000 for playing 50% of all offensive snaps in the Wild Card Round and winning OR securing the AFC's top seed
• $750,000 for playing 50% of all offensive snaps in the Divisional Round and winning.
• $1 million for playing 50% of all offensive snaps in the AFC Championship Game and winning
• $1.5 million for playing 50% of all offensive snaps at Super Bowl LX and winning
• $1.5 million for winning the AP MVP award

These incentives set the total value of his deal at $19.5 million, with $10 million guaranteed.