Aaron Rodgers told brutal truth as Steelers top | NFL News

Following a period of hypothesis, the Pittsburgh Steelers have finessed a deal with Aaron Rodgers for a one-year contract, albeit with the four-time NFL MVP not being their first alternative in the offseason.

Securing a one-year, $13.65 million contract, Rodgers is set to lead the Steelers as beginning quarterback through to 2025, following the departures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Rodgers will don the No.8 jersey he sported at the New York Jets, side-stepping the option for the accessible No. 12 jersey, with its deep-seated ties to Steeler icon Terry Bradshaw.

No participant has worn No. 12 since Bradshaw’s period concluded in 1983, and though it isn’t formally retired, it has been off-limits.

However, Rodgers carrying Bradshaw’s quantity was not on the playing cards, particularly since the Steelers had initially eyed Los Angeles Rams maestro Matthew Stafford.

After inking the deal with Rodgers, ESPN guru Adam Schefter revealed that Stafford and Justin Fields have been initially on the Steelers’ wishlist, asserting on ‘Get Up’: “This was the best move that the Pittsburgh Steelers could make right now,” but also noting that Rodgers was primarily their plan B: “But let’s also remember that this was the third option for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They were in on Matthew Stafford and couldn’t get [a trade done].”

The NFL scene has been buzzing with strikes as groups form their squads for the approaching season. “They tried to re-sign Justin Fields, and he opted to go to the New York Jets, where he’ll meet Aaron Rodgers on opening day. And after they couldn’t get a trade done for Stafford and couldn’t get Fields re-signed, they pivoted to Aaron Rodgers.”

Justin Fields, at 26 years previous, acted as backup to Wilson final time period but did step up in stellar fashion for Pittsburgh, main them to a respectable 4-2 begin. After his spell with the Chicago Bears, Fields had run down to the final 12 months of his rookie settlement, yet this low season has seen him clinch a two-year deal price a whopping $40 million with the Jets.

Stafford’s future was rife with hypothesis back in February when a stall in contract talks with the Rams despatched rumours flying. The 37 12 months previous stalwart sought a hefty assured sum and acquired the inexperienced gentle from Los Angeles to scope out his choices in the market.

Despite glances from the Cleveland Browns, the New York Giants, and the Las Vegas Raiders, it was the Steelers who launched an intense bid for Stafford. Sports Illustrated reveals that both the Giants and the Raiders floated proposals exceeding $100 million for a two-year hitch, which finally benched Pittsburgh from the race.

Yet Stafford’s story took one other flip when he pledged his future to the Rams, penning a two-year contract valued at $84 million, citing loyalty to Los Angeles. This season, Stafford’s pockets shall be bolstered with $44 million in secured funds, alongside a tempting $40 million for the 2026 marketing campaign.

Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his unwavering confidence in quarterback Matthew Stafford during a chat on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, proclaiming: “We have a chance with him every time he’s at the switch, and love working with him,” and additional added, “And I think he can play as long as he wants, but fortunately, I’m hoping it’s a couple more years.”

Delving into their relationship, McVay shared insights about the open dialogues within the group, saying, “When you’re able to have real conversations with people you love and care about, you can go one of two ways. You can either get further apart, or you can get closer.”

McVay did not hesitate to reveal the power of their bond, stating, “And there is no question in my mind that he and I are closer than ever. There’s a lot of appreciation, there’s a lot of gratitude that we were able to work through some of those things. Ultimately, I heard (general manager) Les (Snead) say it, to renew the vows.”

Highlighting a resurgence in group spirit and camaraderie, he added, “And I think there is kind of a renewal of appreciation for the opportunity to continue to work together. It doesn’t go lost on me how fortunate I am to be able to work with somebody as special as he is, both mentally, physically, and more importantly what he means with how he moves as a man, and how he positively affects and influences his teammates and people he’s around.”