The Cleveland Browns won't have to face new Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers for long.
Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns won't have to face new Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers for long.
Aaron Rodgers will be in the AFC North this season, but Cleveland Browns fans can take comfort in knowing it’s likely just a short stay.
The future Hall of Famer signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason, hoping to cap his career with one final run.
Rodgers, 41, spent 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, where he racked up four NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl title, before an ill-fated two-year stint with the New York Jets.
His decision to join the Steelers gives Pittsburgh a proven veteran at quarterback, but it’s not one Cleveland will have to contend with beyond 2025.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.
“I played 20 fricking years. It’s been the long run. I’ve enjoyed it, and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in the city that expects you to win.”
Rodgers Wants to ‘Empty Tank’ With Steelers
Rodgers’ two seasons with the Jets left much to be desired. His first year in New York ended before it truly began, as he ruptured his Achilles on opening night without completing a single pass.
The following season didn’t go as planned either. The Jets finished 5-12, missed the playoffs, and fired head coach Robert Saleh. Rodgers completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Rodgers said the disappointing stint didn’t factor into his decision to return for another season.
“It’s not really ‘[I] can’t go out like this,'” he said. “I love the game, and there’s been a beautiful relationship. It was my first love when I was 6 years old, dreaming about playing quarterback and being in the Super Bowl and winning in the Super Bowl. … I wanted to be there for minicamp once I decided I was going to be all-in, but I didn’t need this. I didn’t need it at all.
“I’m going to give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens.”
Browns Focused on Their Own QB Situation
The Browns don’t have a lot of bandwidth to worry about other quarterback situations within the division. Cleveland’s own depth chart remains unsettled as training camp approaches, with a four-way competition that includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have emphasized patience as they evaluate the group, declining to name a starter or establish a depth chart.
The Browns and Steelers will face off for the first time on Oct. 12.