Aaron Rodgers could be heading back to the NFL spotlight in the most dramatic way possible: facing the team that let him go. According to NBC Sports, the four-time MVP is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would place him under center in Week 1, against none other than the New York Jets.
The matchup would take place at MetLife Stadium, the very field where Rodgers‘ turbulent 2024 season ended. If the deal goes through, it would mark a highly anticipated revenge game between Rodgers and his former squad, who cut him after a disappointing 5-12 campaign.
A complicated history with the Jets
Rodgers‘ time with the Jets was far from smooth. After returning from a 2023 Achilles injury, he played the full 2024 season but struggled with consistency. The team failed to reach the playoffs and fired head coach Robert Saleh midway through the year. Rodgers still had one year left on his contract, but new leadership, head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, decided to part ways with the veteran QB.
The manner of his release reportedly left Rodgers stunned. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, he shared that he flew across the country expecting a serious discussion with team management. Instead, they told him within seconds they were moving on. “I was kind of shocked,” Rodgers admitted, adding that the team could have simply called instead of making him travel.
Steelers prepare to welcome Rodgers, and build around him
There are signs that the Steelers are all-in on landing Rodgers. The team has not pursued other veteran quarterbacks during the offseason and recently added star wide receiver DK Metcalf, suggesting a plan to construct an elite offense around a high-caliber QB.
If the deal becomes official, Rodgers would face the Jets‘ new quarterback Justin Fields in Week 1. Fields, ironically, was benched by the Steelers last season before being picked up by New York, adding even more tension to the potential matchup.
The 2025 opener at MetLife might not just be another gameit could be Aaron Rodgers‘ shot at redemption, under the bright lights and against the team that shut the door on him.
Read the full article here
