Aaron Rodgers’ teammate shuts down false QB narrative as T.J. Watt completes Mike Tomlin’s $375m new-look Steelers

Aaron Rodgers has no excuses left after the Pittsburgh Steelers went all-in on constructing a roster with winning a Super Bowl the only thing on their mind.

Following an off-season which saw The Black and Gold aggressively pursue reinforcements on both sides of the football, spending $375 million, 2025 may be make or break for Mike Tomlin as head coach.

Rodgers has no excuses with a star-studded cast around himCredit: GettyHaving swung a trade for prolific wide-receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, and banishing George Pickens to America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys, there was initially some uncertainty over who would be under center with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields departing for new pastures in New York to the Giants and Jets, respectively.

The Steelers eventually got their man, agreeing to a one-year deal with 20-year veteran Rodgers worth up to $20 million.

During an appearance on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’ on Wednesday, All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward admitted that he invited Rodgers to a barbecue for Steelers players and their families before the four-time MVP signed on the dotted line.

It was claimed over the offseason that Rodgers taking his time over signing showed a lack of interest, but Heyward insists that he is all-in on playing in the Steel City.

MORE FROM THE NFL“It just felt like he has bought in, and it worked out for the best,” Heyward said.

“I know sometimes we live in a society where we want things now, but patience has a way of paying off.

“And to now see he’s a Pittsburgh Steeler and just him walking through the locker room asking questions (about) how we do things.

“He’s bought in, and that’s all I can ask for our quarterback. As a teammate, I’m excited to go to work with him.”

The addition of Rodgers at quarterback, who is two years out from a devastating Achilles tear, has divided opinion, but what he has achieved in the NFL cannot be questioned, having earned the respect of many players.

Heyward further divulged about how he viewed Pittsburgh’s off-season approach, commending them for going all-in to try and win a championship.

Heyward did his part to integrate Rodgers into the team before he even signed the contractCredit: Getty

Metcalf is one of Rodgers’ newest offensive weaponsCredit: Getty

T.J. Watt finally reached a deal with the Steelers on a record-breaking extensionCredit: Getty“That’s what you want,” Heyward said. “You can have a team that’s trading everybody away and just trying to stockpile picks. That’s not the feeling I get here.

“We are trying to make a statement for this team and provide ourselves an opportunity to compete for a championship.”

Having pulled off a blockbuster swoop to acquire star safety Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins and awarding him $84 million over four years, with tight end Jonnu Smith also making the move to Pittsburgh in the deal, the only thing that was left for the Steelers front office to address was contract extension negotiations with T.J. Watt.

In June, insider Mike Florio spoke about how the Steelers’ trade — and subsequent extension — of Metcalf may significantly influence their negotiations with the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“DK Metcalf — when they give him a five-year, $130 million contract, and he’s never played for the team before — that’s going to embolden [T.J. Watt], who’s been a loyal servant since 2017, to say, ‘If you’re going to give him market value — and he’s a stranger to the Steelers — I want market value too,'” Florio said.

“If DK Metcalf can get that kind of contract with no history of loyal service to the black and gold, T.J. Watt has every right to expect a deal that puts him past Garrett as the highest-paid defensive player in the league.”

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Now, the lengthy saga has finally been resolved.

On Thursday, it was announced that the Steelers and Watt had reached an agreement on a three-year, $123 million extension, $108 million of which is fully guaranteed.

Set to earn an average of $41 million per year, Watt reclaims his spot at the top of the list of highest-paid non-QBs for the second time in his career, ahead of Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett ($40 million AAV) – who reset the market for defensive backs – and Cincinnati Bengals star wide-receiver Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million AAV).

With Watt tied down to a multi-year extension, and Rodgers likely playing his final NFL season in Year 21, it is now or never for this new-look Steelers group to try and get their hands on the Vince Lombardi trophy after a 17-year drought.

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