Aaron Rodgers may have been a key factor in the Pittsburgh Steelers opening their 2025 season against the New York Jets. Following the schedule release, a report from Mike Florio suggests this strengthens the theory that the quarterback will sign with Mike Tomlin’s team.
“It’s a strong indication that the league is betting that he will (sign with Steelers). I think it’s a safe bet. Now, the fact that it’s not a primetime game gives you a little cover in the event that he doesn’t sign, but, I’d be willing to err on the side of assuming Rodgers is going to do it. It will be Week 1 and that will be juicy if it’s Rodgers.”
In addition to Rodgers being a major draw for a matchup against the Jets, another intriguing storyline is Justin Fields facing Tomlin after the head coach benched him last season to give the starting job to Russell Wilson.
Where are the Steelers playing?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, September 7. The big question is whether Aaron Rodgers will return to New York to face his former team after his controversial departure, when he was not considered part of the project led by head coach Aaron Glenn.
As Florio mentioned, one detail that has tempered expectations around Rodgers’ decision is that the game wasn’t scheduled for Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football. If the NFL truly knew Aaron was going to sign with Pittsburgh, there’s no doubt the matchup would have been placed in a primetime slot.