Prayers answered, doubters in the shadows, and a happy Mike Tomlin nodding with a knowing smile. Those “productive talks”? They finally bore fruit as Aaron Rodgers finally graced Steel City. While it means that Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson’s prospects take a backseat, Will Howard’s dream has come true with his idol finally joining the Steelers. And now that the wait is over, there’s big news coming out of Steel City, one after the other.  

The hints were already there. And it wasn’t just the front office’s confidence or Aaron Rodgers dropping hints here and there. Aaron Rodgers also showed up at UCLA to throw the ball with Steelers’ new WR DK Metcalf. “What a specimen this guy is.” A-Rod was all praises for Metcalf when he talked about the practice session the two had set up. Metcalf with No. 4, and A-Rod with No. 12, going into Steel City to flip the script on their losing streak. That was the story going around even just a few days ago. But the confirmation is here, and A-Rod won’t be wearing his old Packers number.

If you look at the Steelers history, the No. 12 hasn’t been retired. It’s just that no one has donned it since Terry Bradshaw. And with Bradshaw’s stance on Aaron Rodgers clear as a Summer sky, No. 12 was out of the picture. So what then? As per Adam Schefter, Aaron Rodgers has a number assigned in black and gold at last. Schefter shared a post on his IG with a picture of A-Rod rocking a no. 8. As Schefter wrote, “New Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers will wear No. 8 this season.” No. 4 and No. 8 combo sounds much better and closer than the 12. Interestingly, Eight was also the same number that Rodgers wore for his time with the Jets. The September matchup of Steelers vs. the Jets just keeps getting better, doesn’t it? But let’s talk numbers a little more.

Before Aaron Rodgers came to Steel City, that number 8 had another name on it. Corliss Waitman (punter) donned it as he came back to the Steelers last season. But with Rodgers now taking that number, it looks like Waitman will get something in return for parting with his jersey. What that would be still remains to be seen, but this now makes Aaron Rodgers officially the 9th person to don the no. 8. The last guy, aside from Waitman, to wear this number was Kenny Pickett, the current Browns QB. But it’s not just an old number that’s awaiting Rodgers this year. He’s all set to make a lot of more than what everyone originally thought.

Aaron Rodgers’ brand new Steelers contract

Back when ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ were still swirling his name, Aaron Rodgers had given a little hint. On the Pat McAfee Show, the veteran QB had made it known that if he plays, he will play for $10 million. Looking at the QB market right now, that deal looked like a steal for Steel City. And now that the dotted line finally has his name, the numbers are a little bigger than before. What was earlier believed to be a $10 million deal has ballooned. Aaron Rodgers is now set to make a sweet $19.5 million for his year of service to the Steelers. But as with any good contract, there are some catches.

As Adam Schefter reported it, the deal carries a $10 million guaranteed money. But that’s not all. As per Schefter, “Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers was in the team’s training facility today to sign his one-year, $13.65 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $19.5 million. The deal includes $5.85 million worth of playtime and team performance incentives.” While we don’t yet know what the criteria for those “performance incentives” are, that’s just one other reason for A-Rod to show up and show out. This will be his shot to earn a 5th MVP crown after all.

Steel City can now finally rest easy knowing there’s a veteran QB leading the franchise. There’s also the added advantage of the other Steelers QBs to learn from a Super Bowl champ. As for Rodgers, he now faces the daunting task of carrying Steel City on his shoulders. There are also the matchups to consider going forward. Apart from the Jets showdown, there’s also the mentor vs. mentee matchup coming up with Jordan Love and the Packers in October. Is this the beginning of a turnaround story for the Steelers and Rodgers at last? What do you think?