Aaron Rodgers’ $25 Million Return to Steelers Does Not Excite Stephen A. Smith

Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their first season under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

Aaron Rodgers’ $25 Million Return to Steelers Does Not Excite Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith and Aaron Rodgers (Image via Bernard Oliver/LADeig/X)

In Short
  • Aaron Rodgers has signed a new $25 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season.
  • Stephen A. Smith expressed disappointment over the Steelers' lack of significant offseason talent additions.
  • Steelers players reportedly wanted Aaron Rodgers back, indicating a united locker room under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

Now that Aaron Rodgers is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season, the work has started to ensure he and head coach Mike McCarthy are on the same page.

They may have been together on the Green Bay Packers, but that was several moons ago. Every quarterback and his most important offensive coach has to work to create the best way to score points.

That is why the franchise made it clear that the 42-year-old must start preparations once the contract is signed. As soon as Rodgers put pen to paper on his new $25 million deal, he was back at their facilities in practice gear.

I’m not overtly excited as a Steelers fan because I’m not overtly excited with the team. It’s not about Rodgers, who I think had a decent year. He certainly is not what he used to be, but he’s clearly better than anybody the Steelers have had since Big Ben Roethlisberger.

Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

Therefore, the 58-year-old was not put off by the four-time MVP resigning with the team. Rather, the analyst was disappointed after the front office did not manage to add significant and impactful talent.

Last season, the usually stout Steelers defense did not show up. Smith does not believe this team has a chance unless all facets work well. But for that to happen, the team needs quality additions, which did not come this offseason.

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Steelers players wanted Aaron Rodgers back

No matter what Stephen A. Smith believes about the quality of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, the players love Aaron Rodgers, and their desire to have him back may have led the franchise to up his salary from the initial $15 million tender.

The players all wanted Aaron Rodgers back for this season.

Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show

The insider revealing this points to the unity inside that locker room. Unlike reports of the Chino, California native’s alleged toxicity, it seems he has gotten along well with his Steelers teammates.

The best situation for new head coach Mike McCarthy is if he has a united locker room. After spending years following Mike Tomlin‘s lead, a cohesive roster will probably listen well to its new leader.

With Rodgers leading them and his affinity towards his former Green Bay Packers’ head coach, the entire squad may buy into his vision. That can set up the Steelers for success in this upcoming 2026 season.

This could be the accurate signal caller’s last season in the league. Therefore, it is up to the players and McCarthy to perform better than what Smith and other skeptics believe of them.

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Aaron Rodgers connects with new WR Michael Pittman Jr. in practice

Rodgers is already back at work after finalizing his deal with the Steelers. Photos and videos from his first practice show the 10-time Pro Bowler having some chats with Mike McCarthy.

Aaron Rodgers practicing with his fellow QBs
Aaron Rodgers practicing with his fellow QBs (Image via Steelers/X)

They are seen joking around over something, proving that all those past theories about a fallout are all and truly behind them. Then the quarterback went through his paces with the rest of his unit.

After that, it was back to practice with the first team. Even though the California Golden Bear would have liked it if the Steelers managed to snag Makai Lemon before the Eagles did, at least he should be happier that he has a true No. 2 WR opposite DK Metcalf.

A clip shared by the Steelers shows Aaron Rodgers receiving the snap and then throwing a short dart to Michael Pittman Jr. It was just practice, which some may not find to be something that shows true potential.

But the QB and his pass catcher are working on repetitions to learn each other’s timings. Once they click, the Steelers could be dangerous in the upcoming season.

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