In a dramatic twist for the 2025 NFL season, Aaron Rodgers could potentially face his former team, the New York Jets , in a Week 1 showdown if a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers is completed in time. The NFL’s schedule release confirmed the Steelers will travel to MetLife Stadium to face the Jets on Sunday, September 7, setting the stage for a highly anticipated storyline.
No contract yet, but signs point to Aaron Rodgers leading Steelers in Week 1Aaron Rodgers, who was released by the New York Jets earlier this offseason, has been in advanced discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to multiple reports. While no official contract has been signed yet, the NFL's decision to feature this matchup in its season opener strongly suggests the league expects Rodgers to wear black and gold by kickoff.
The 40-year-old quarterback’s tenure with the Jets was marred by a torn Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season, followed by a disappointing and injury-hampered 2024 return.
If the deal materializes, Rodgers’ debut as a Steeler will see him directly opposite Justin Fields, who ironically moved from Pittsburgh to New York this offseason. Fields, who started for the Steelers last year, is expected to lead the Jets’ offense this season.
The switch has only added to the intrigue, as both quarterbacks would be facing their former teams in a high-stakes opener.
The NFL often strategically schedules headline-worthy games in Week 1, and this matchup has all the ingredients: revenge narratives, quarterback drama, and two teams eager to prove themselves after underwhelming 2024 campaigns.
Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, would bring veteran leadership to a young Steelers roster, while Fields has a chance at redemption under a new coaching regime in New York.
Though the Rodgers-to-Steelers move isn't finalized, insiders believe a deal is close. Pittsburgh has reportedly been seeking a short-term veteran presence to mentor their developing talent while remaining competitive in a tough AFC North division.
For fans, especially those in New York and Pittsburgh, the possible Rodgers return adds an emotional dimension to the opening weekend. If signed in time, this could be one of the most-watched games of Week 1, with both teams eager to turn the page.
Rodgers' stint with the Jets was anything but stable. Following a devastating Achilles injury in 2023 that sidelined him for nearly the entire season, he returned in 2024 hoping to make a strong comeback. Instead, he faced ongoing struggles with performance, and the team never found its rhythm.
The Jets missed the playoffs once again, and the turmoil led to the midseason dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh.Though Rodgers still had a year remaining on his deal, the arrival of new leadership head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey signaled a new direction. The organization ultimately chose to move on from the veteran quarterback.
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers revealed the abrupt nature of his release from the Jets. He explained that he had flown across the country believing he was heading into an in-depth conversation with the team's leadership. However, the reality was quite different.
"I was kind of shocked," Rodgers admitted, recounting how the meeting ended almost as soon as it began. According to him, the Jets informed him within seconds that they were moving on.
Reflecting on the situation, he added, "They could have just called instead of making me travel."
Also read: “We don’t own Christmas”: Adam Silver’s response to NFL challenge as NBA holds strong in Christmas Day rivalry
Until the deal is confirmed, speculation will continue but the NFL’s scheduling move hints that it’s more a matter of when, not if.
No contract yet, but signs point to Aaron Rodgers leading Steelers in Week 1Aaron Rodgers, who was released by the New York Jets earlier this offseason, has been in advanced discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to multiple reports. While no official contract has been signed yet, the NFL's decision to feature this matchup in its season opener strongly suggests the league expects Rodgers to wear black and gold by kickoff.
The 40-year-old quarterback’s tenure with the Jets was marred by a torn Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season, followed by a disappointing and injury-hampered 2024 return.
If the deal materializes, Rodgers’ debut as a Steeler will see him directly opposite Justin Fields, who ironically moved from Pittsburgh to New York this offseason. Fields, who started for the Steelers last year, is expected to lead the Jets’ offense this season.
The switch has only added to the intrigue, as both quarterbacks would be facing their former teams in a high-stakes opener.
Report: Jets will host the Steelers (and presumably Aaron Rodgers) in Week 1 https://t.co/y1Cx9Oq5V6
— Opening Day Game (@OpeningDayNFL) May 14, 2025
The NFL often strategically schedules headline-worthy games in Week 1, and this matchup has all the ingredients: revenge narratives, quarterback drama, and two teams eager to prove themselves after underwhelming 2024 campaigns.
Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, would bring veteran leadership to a young Steelers roster, while Fields has a chance at redemption under a new coaching regime in New York.
Though the Rodgers-to-Steelers move isn't finalized, insiders believe a deal is close. Pittsburgh has reportedly been seeking a short-term veteran presence to mentor their developing talent while remaining competitive in a tough AFC North division.
For fans, especially those in New York and Pittsburgh, the possible Rodgers return adds an emotional dimension to the opening weekend. If signed in time, this could be one of the most-watched games of Week 1, with both teams eager to turn the page.
Rodgers' stint with the Jets was anything but stable. Following a devastating Achilles injury in 2023 that sidelined him for nearly the entire season, he returned in 2024 hoping to make a strong comeback. Instead, he faced ongoing struggles with performance, and the team never found its rhythm.
The Jets missed the playoffs once again, and the turmoil led to the midseason dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh.Though Rodgers still had a year remaining on his deal, the arrival of new leadership head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey signaled a new direction. The organization ultimately chose to move on from the veteran quarterback.
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers revealed the abrupt nature of his release from the Jets. He explained that he had flown across the country believing he was heading into an in-depth conversation with the team's leadership. However, the reality was quite different.
"I was kind of shocked," Rodgers admitted, recounting how the meeting ended almost as soon as it began. According to him, the Jets informed him within seconds that they were moving on.
Reflecting on the situation, he added, "They could have just called instead of making me travel."
Also read: “We don’t own Christmas”: Adam Silver’s response to NFL challenge as NBA holds strong in Christmas Day rivalry
Until the deal is confirmed, speculation will continue but the NFL’s scheduling move hints that it’s more a matter of when, not if.
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