Aaron Rodgers joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in June on a one-year, $13.65 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and can reach up to $19.5 million with incentives. The Steelers will be his third NFL team after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and the last two with the New York Jets.
The one-time Super Bowl champion now looks to lead the Steelers to their seventh title and first since 2008. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes the pressure is squarely on Rodgers to deliver, especially after the franchise made a blockbuster trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
Former NFL QB Claims Steelers Blockbuster Trade Puts Pressure on Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers has long been considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history, but he’s also drawn criticism in recent years. Some have questioned his leadership and focus, particularly as his teams have struggled in the postseason. His lone Super Bowl win came during the 2010 season — against the Steelers — and he hasn’t won a playoff game since 2020.
In fact, Rodgers hasn’t led a team to the postseason since 2021. That’s a long drought for a player with four MVP awards and over 500 career touchdown passes.
Still, the Steelers are betting that Rodgers can turn things around quickly. Despite inconsistent quarterback play over the past few years, Pittsburgh has remained competitive. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the team hasn’t had a losing season in his 18-year run. The last time the Steelers finished below .500 was in 2003, two years before Tomlin was hired.
Following the deal for Ramsey and Smith, Orlovsky pointed to Rodgers as the key, tweeting:
“Ok You have my attention @steelers Love the move. Rodgers and OL gotta step up now.”
Ok
You have my attention @steelers
Love the move.Rodgers and OL gotta step up now.
Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) June 30, 2025
Rodgers tore his Achilles after just four snaps with the Jets in 2023 but returned to play all 17 games in 2024. He threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 63% of his passes. He ranked eighth in the NFL in passing yards and seventh in touchdown passes. Still, the Jets collapsed to a 5-12 record, and Rodgers’ play was overshadowed by locker-room drama and coaching changes.
Orlovsky later reacted with surprise when reports confirmed that Pittsburgh had traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick as part of the deal. The five-time Pro Bowler is widely viewed as one of the most complete safeties in the league. He’s a difference-maker both in pass coverage and in defending the run.
Fitzpatrick now heads back to the Miami Dolphins, where he started his career as a first-round pick in 2018. Whether the gamble works out for the Steelers remains to be seen. But with a retooled offense and a Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm, Pittsburgh is clearly going all-in for a deep playoff push in 2025.
