Aaron Rodgers didn’t wait for a bidding war. He knew what he wanted, and he said so back in April. “It ain’t about the money,” he told The Pat McAfee Show. “I’ll play for $10 million. I don’t care. I never once said I needed a multi-year deal.” Two months later, he made good on that promise, signing with the Steelers for a one-year, $13.65 million contract, including a base salary that matches the figure he threw out on live TV. For a player once synonymous with blockbuster extensions and offseason holdouts, this was a calculated restart that came after a rough year where he battled multiple leg injuries and a 5-12 record in New York. 

But Pittsburgh saw more than just mileage. With Justin Fields off the table, the Steelers zeroed in on Rodgers as their next starter, one who could elevate the offense without compromising their cap flexibility. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who game-planned against Rodgers for years in Detroit, didn’t hide his respect after the QB signed the contract. “He’s a pain in the ass,” Austin complimented, before going on to praise the 41-year-old’s accuracy and arm strength.

Still, this isn’t charity, and it isn’t nostalgia. The deal, finalized on June 6 but only made public days later, ranks just 22nd among NFL quarterbacks in average annual value, per Spotrac. It’s the least Rodgers has earned in a season since 2017. That’s by design. The Steelers structured it to reflect where Rodgers is now, not where he’s been, and if things go as planned, it could end up being the smartest contract of the offseason. They locked up a future Hall of Famer for $13.65 million, but here’s the kicker: if they wind up paying him the full $19.5 million by season’s end, there’s a good chance they’ll be doing it while holding the Lombardi Trophy. Albert Breer broke down the incentive-laden deal that has everyone talking:

“Per Albert Breer, the full list of Aaron Rodgers’ incentives. #Steelers” The structure is brilliant in its simplicity—and brutal in its requirements. Rodgers must play at least 70 percent of regular-season snaps just to qualify for any bonus money. In other words, no coasting allowed in the Steel City.

The playoff bonuses start modestly and scale up quickly. Making the playoffs earns Rodgers $500,000, while securing a first-round bye or winning a wild-card game with significant playing time bumps that to $600,000. Win a divisional round game? That’s another $750,000. Capture the AFC Championship? Now we’re talking $1 million. But the real prize sits at the top—a Super Bowl victory with Rodgers playing meaningful snaps is worth a cool $1.5 million.

The individual accolade money is just as eye-popping. If Rodgers somehow captures MVP honors at age 41, he pockets another $1.5 million. Combined with a Super Bowl win, that’s $3 million tied to two achievements that seem almost impossible at this stage of his career. The math tells the whole story.

Getting Rodgers to the AFC Championship while meeting his playing-time requirements looks like the most realistic best-case scenario, netting him an extra $1.85 million. But even if Pittsburgh ends up paying the full $19.5 million, nobody in the organization will be complaining. They’ll be too busy planning the championship parade.

And Rodgers? He’s not just chasing Super Bowl incentives—he’s already putting in work to win over his new teammates, one golf swing at a time.

Rodgers wastes no time connecting with Steelers stars on the golf course

Aaron Rodgers isn’t wasting any time getting acquainted with his new Pittsburgh playground. Just days after signing his deal with the Steelers, the veteran quarterback hit the golf course, already building chemistry with star wide receiver DK Metcalf at Cam Heyward’s charity event.

The Standard caught the duo in action and posted: “Aaron Rodgers & DK Metcalf already building chemistry. Spotted today at Cam Heyward’s ‘Irons for Impact’ Golf Outing. That didn’t take long.” It’s exactly the kind of scene Steelers fans want to see—Rodgers diving headfirst into the team culture instead of waiting around for organized activities to begin.

Rodgers showing up at a teammate’s charity golf outing sends a clear message about his commitment level. Sure, some folks might roll their eyes at his Pat McAfee Show appearances or have strong opinions about his beliefs. But actions speak louder than words. The guy just signed his contract, and he’s already spending FaceTime with the very players who’ll be catching his passes.

This isn’t Metcalf’s first rodeo when it comes to quarterback bonding on the links. Back in his Seattle days, he regularly hit the golf course with Russell Wilson. But Rodgers brings a different pedigree to the tee box. We’re talking about a guy who won the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am alongside PGA pro Ben Silverman—tournament-level golf skills to go along with four MVP trophies.

With mandatory minicamp kicking off Tuesday, Rodgers will have plenty of chances to connect with Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods. But building early chemistry with Metcalf on the golf course? That’s veteran leadership 101. Sometimes, the best team-building doesn’t happen on the practice field—it happens when a player shows up when it matters. And Rodgers clearly gets that.