Pittsburgh, PA – June 21, 2025
Aaron Rodgers came to Pittsburgh as a final swing at glory — a four-time MVP, a living legend, and the face of the Steelers' one-year Super Bowl gamble. But now, just weeks before training camp begins, Las Vegas oddsmakers are betting he won’t finish the season in black and gold.
According to the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, the odds of the Steelers cutting Rodgers before the end of the 2025 season sit at +200, a surprisingly short line for a future Hall of Famer. The speculation comes amid what sources have described as a "rocky minicamp start" and growing concerns about fit, age, and chemistry.
Rodgers, 41, signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers earlier this month. But early signs have not been encouraging. According to NFL Network, he threw two interceptions during 7-on-7 drills, and reports have surfaced that he’s clashing with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme. Rodgers reportedly prefers vertical concepts, while Smith’s system thrives on ground control and tight formations.
"The Steelers want a Super Bowl, but Rodgers looks washed," said Westgate's Ed Salmons, per NBC Sports. His 2024 performance with the Jets — 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, but a QBR of just 48.1 — raises real questions about whether he’s capable of leading a modern offense.
Behind the scenes, tension is building. T.J. Watt remains in a contract holdout, the locker room chemistry is under pressure, and General Manager Omar Khan has $31.88 million in cap space to manage. Releasing Rodgers midseason could free up $10 million in guaranteed money — a tempting trade-off if performance falters.
And the Steelers do have a contingency plan. Will Howard, their sixth-round rookie quarterback from Kansas State, has impressed coaches with his raw tools and leadership. If Rodgers flops or gets hurt, the team could pivot quickly.
Head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the noise: "Aaron’s our guy," he said in a press conference. But on social media, fans are torn. Some still believe Rodgers can guide Pittsburgh to glory. Others are already questioning the wisdom of the gamble.
Week 1 could be the inflection point. The Steelers open the season against Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets — a storyline the league couldn’t script better. It’s not just a revenge game; it might be a reckoning.
Pittsburgh’s offense ranked 28th in total yardage in 2024, and while the addition of D.K. Metcalf adds firepower, there’s a growing sense that Rodgers’ window might have already closed.
As Vegas leans in on its bold prediction, the pressure mounts in Pittsburgh.
Is this the beginning of a fairytale ending — or the start of an awkward farewell?
