Steelers tried trading for $84,000,000 star QB before pivoting to Aaron Rodgers: Insider

Aaron Rodgers will continue his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to multiple reports, the four-time MVP will join the team on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season. It puts an end to months of speculation around where the future Hall of Famer would continue his storied career.

While it looked like the Steelers were all-in on Rodgers, reports emerged that he was neither the team's first nor second option at the start of the offseason. According to Adam Schefter, Rodgers was Pittsburgh's third choice at quarterback.

The team was more interested in re-signing dual-threat star Justin Fields, who eventually joined the New York Jets, and the LA Rams' Matthew Stafford, who is on a two-year $84 million contract. However, after both options fell through, Rodgers was contacted.

"This was the best move the Pittsburgh Steelers could make right now, but let's also remember that this was the third option for the Pittsburgh Steelers." Schefter said on Friday, via ESPN.

Schefter confirmed Rodgers' signing, and discussed where he stands in the AFC North among quarterbacks.

"They were in on Matthew Stafford but couldn't get done a trade, they tried to re-sign Justin Fields he opted to go to the New York Jets where he will meet Aaron Rodgers on opening day," Schefter said. "After they couldn't get a trade done for Stafford and couldn't get Fields re-signed they pivoted to Aaron Rodgers.

"So, Aaron Rodgers right now was their third choice. He becomes right now the third best quarterback in the AFC North behind Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow and whoever is playing quarterback in Cleveland that we don't know, and it's a one-year deal for Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh."

The NFL insider added that Rodgers is likely a short-term solution as Pittsburgh could draft a quarterback next year.

"So guess what, the Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded with picks in next year's draft, it's a great quarterback draft, and it's in Pittsburgh," Schefter said. "The Steelers will be anxious to make a splash, and let's see how this goes. This was the best move they could make right now."

The Steelers will pair Rodgers with fellow offseason addition DK Metcalf to form one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in the AFC.

What's next for Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Aaron Rodgers is expected to feature in minicamp for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran quarterback hasn't played a snap of competitive football in months, so he must get in game shape ahead of his 21st season in the NFL.

Rodgers will play for his third team in the last four seasons. That's quite the number considering that the Cal product spent the first 18 years of his career with the same franchise.

The four-time MVP and the Steelers' first game of the 2025 regular season will be against Justin Fields and the New York Jets. It's a game that Pittsburgh fans likely favor winning as they look to make another postseason appearance under Mike Tomlin.