NFL Insider: Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Ahead Of Schedule Despite ‘Late’ Signing

Yes, Aaron Rodgers waiting until June to sign with the Steelers wasn’t exactly ideal.

But no, it’s not going to be a problem for Pittsburgh. In fact, he’s ahead of schedule.

That’s what NFL.com insider Judy Battista reported Monday when she wrote Rodgers’ “late” arrival just before Steelers minicamp is no reason for concern.

“In a way, he was actually early,” Battista said. “Last year, Rodgers missed mandatory minicamp with the Jets for his trip to Egypt, an unexcused absence, and still threw for 28 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards for a team on the way to a housecleaning. Had Rodgers chosen to time his arrival for training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, nobody would have been surprised.”

In addition to participating in Steelers minicamp, Rodgers also held a separate throwing session with newly-acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf.

On top of that, Battista noted Rodgers should be much better this season since he will be two years removed from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his first campaign with the New York Jets.

“It’s worth remembering that he was better later last season than he was at the beginning,” Battista wrote.

She’s not wrong. Rodgers had eight touchdown passes over his final four games, helping the Jets go 2-2 to close out the 2024 season.

Rodgers will see his former team in Week 1 of the regular season when the Steelers visit the Jets at MetLife Stadium. The reunion tour will continue in Week 8 when the Packers visit Pittsburgh for “Sunday Night Football.” Rodgers spent the first 18 seasons of his NFL career in Green Bay, winning four MVP Awards and leading the Packers to a win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

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