

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines this offseason by signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a move that some initially questioned due to his age and recent injury history.
But as new comparisons emerge around quarterback contracts and performance, the signing is beginning to look like one of the smartest financial decisions of the NFL offseason, especially compared to Cam Ward.
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At a time when untested rookies and inconsistent veterans are commanding massive deals, Rodgers’ experience and relative cost could prove to be a steal for Pittsburgh.
Despite his decorated career, he’ll be just the 22nd-highest-paid quarterback in the league next season – a fact that has caught the attention of analysts across the NFL landscape.
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On Monday’s episode of FS1’s Breakfast Ball, commentator Danny Parkins praised Pittsburgh’s approach, especially when comparing Rodgers to less proven signal-callers like Cam Ward or seemingly overpaid veterans like Daniel Jones.
“He played 17 games last year and he had 28 touchdowns,” Parkins said. “A lot of it was in garbage time and he was not great in the clutch. We’ve gone over all of it ad nauseam, but he’s more proven than (Tennessee Titans quarterback) Cam Ward. He’s better than Daniel Jones.”
Rodgers’ salary is especially notable in contrast to other quarterbacks who have yet to live up to their contracts.
“Just explain to people what 21st or 22nd in the NFL means. He is going to make the 22nd most for any quarterback in football next year. That means Justin Fields is making 50 percent more money than Aaron Rodgers is now,” Parkins added.
That disparity highlights how the Steelers managed to land a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback at a fraction of the going rate, allowing the team to invest in other positions while maintaining a legitimate contender under center.
Steelers prioritize experience
With Rodgers under center, the Steelers are betting on leadership and consistency. While some teams look to build around raw potential – like the Titans with Cam Ward – Pittsburgh is opting for a seasoned player who’s led deep playoff runs and captured four league MVPs.
Rodgers joins a Steelers squad looking to break out of a pattern of mediocrity. While questions remain about his health and whether he can still perform at the highest level, there’s little doubt he brings a level of poise and command that few quarterbacks – rookie or veteran – can match.
The organization’s decision reflects a clear strategy: maximize their current roster by adding a battle-tested quarterback who doesn’t break the bank. In an era where quarterback contracts are often tied more to potential than production, Pittsburgh’s signing of Rodgers could be a defining move in their 2025 campaign.
For now, the Steelers seem to have made a rare move in today’s NFL: they found real value at the game’s most expensive position.
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