In 2023, when Aaron Rodgers stepped foot in New York, his new team, after playing for the Packers his entire career, the Jets‘ leadership showed immense trust in his capabilities. They had witnessed enough to hand the QB unprecedented autonomy. The front office even tried to create a team based on his image by bringing in his friend Nathaniel Hackett to coordinate the offense. They also brought in former Packers receivers, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and, through a mid-October trade with the Raiders, they welcomed Davante Adams, Rodgers’ friend.

Essentially, the Jets handed the quarterback the keys. Here is what you need. See what you can do with these weapons. He stuck with them for two seasons. But a change in leadership and some confusing weeks later, the veteran landed with the Steelers, where he might not enjoy the kind of freedom he had with the Jets initially. This is also visible in the contract he signed with Pittsburgh: $13.65 million (around $19.5 million, including incentives). That is a drop in the ocean if you compare it to Brock Purdy’s recent five-year, $265 million extension with the 49ers. Make no mistake, though. Rodger’s contract amount could be a part of the plan.

And Christopher Carter, NFL and College Football writer from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who also hosts ‘Locked On Steelers’ on YouTube, shared his thoughts on the same in his new video. “I think the Steelers might get a break from that part of Aaron Rodgers in that they aren’t handing him some $150 million contract over three years. They aren’t handing him the keys to the offence and the keys to the whole team and giving him all this power.

“They’re saying, ‘Hey, come in and be part of what we’re doing right now.’ And that, I think, is fine. … As far as what I think Aaron Rodgers should be doing if he’s the Steelers quarterback, I think that there’s going to be a lot of expectations for him to not fall into the pitfalls that a lot of these other quarterbacks have fallen into when it comes to how defenses are trying to counteract them. There’s going to be a lot of expectations for him to be able to think through and adjust through what teams are trying to do to take away what the Steelers want Aaron Rodgers to be able to do.”

The Steelers are setting the tone early. Rodgers won’t get special treatment because of his Hall of Fame resume. The coaching staff and front office are clear about their expectations, and for Mike Tomlin, he is just another name on their roster.

This approach has sparked real excitement in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans are feeling confident about the upcoming season, as many players are expected to break out. Players like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward have already gained the status of superstar talent. The depth chart is strong. But Jets fans once felt the same way. Their team also believed Rodgers would flip the switch in 2023. Instead, two rough years followed. The Steelers are betting that this time, things will be different, not just on the turf, but also in the locker room.

Aaron Rodgers’ mentorship role in the Steelers’ locker room!

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to be involved. As reported by The Standard on X earlier this week, Rodgers spoke about rookie quarterback Will Howard. “Will’s a good kid. Thought he looked good today… I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.” That support is already showing on the practice field and in the film room. Steelers Depot reported that Rodgers now sits next to Howard in team meetings. Before practice, he gives him pointers and helps set routines that elite quarterbacks follow. This is valuable for Howard, who is trying to prove himself fast. “I may not be the most talented but I’m going to outwork everybody,” Howard said.

That work ethic, mixed with veteran guidance, could shape his learning curve. Rodgers has not taken over the room, though. He is guiding Howard while respecting his space. According to Howard, Rodgers often says he does not want to “overstep.” However, Howard welcomes it. “Tell me whatever you think,” he tells Rodgers. The younger QB described the feedback like unlocking tools from a pro. “When he says it, it’s not overstepping, snagging cheat codes from the big boss,” he said. At minicamp, Howard was asked about working with Rodgers and answer was clear. “[Rodgers] is a great mentor — already treated me with the utmost respect and just been really good to me,” he said. “And a guy like that, he doesn’t have to do that. I really just appreciate him being willing to take me under his wing a little bit and give me pointers and tips here and there.”

One tip Rodgers gave was about footwork on a five-step drop. Howard said it helped him generate more power in his throws and Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has taken notice. “He’s doing great… we’re at the very beginning,” he shared last month about the rookie. Here onwards, it will be interesting to see Aaron Rodger’s impact on the young QB and the Steelers. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.