HC Mike Tomlin Apologizes to Aaron Rodgers Over Contract Offer That Sparked Anger and Exit

Pittsburgh, PA – March 22, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin issued a rare public apology Saturday after a meeting with Aaron Rodgers turned sour, ending with the four-time NFL MVP storming out of the team’s facility without a deal. Sources close to the situation revealed that a proposed one-year, $5 million contract—intended as a starting point for negotiations—incensed Rodgers, prompting his abrupt departure and casting doubt on his potential Steelers tenure.

The drama unfolded yesterday when Rodgers, 41, visited Pittsburgh for over six hours, meeting Tomlin, GM Omar Khan, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Talks initially seemed promising, with Rodgers eyeing a Steelers squad featuring George Pickens and D.K. Metcalf as a chance to chase a second Super Bowl ring. But the mood shifted when Khan presented the $5 million offer, a figure far below Rodgers’ reported expectations of $20-25 million annually. “He felt insulted,” an insider told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Aaron saw it as a lowball that didn’t reflect his worth.”

Tomlin, addressing reporters today, took accountability for the misstep. “I apologize to Aaron—we misjudged the approach,” he said. “That offer wasn’t meant to disrespect a legend like him. We’d love to have him, and I hope we can reset this.” The $5 million deal, with no significant incentives, paled in comparison to Rodgers’ $37.5 million cap hit with the Jets in 2024, fueling his frustration.

Fan reactions on X were swift and heated: “$5M for Rodgers? Tomlin’s lost it!” (@SteelCityFan). Others defended the coach: “It’s a starting point—Rodgers overreacted” (@BurghFaithful). With Pittsburgh’s cap space at $10-15 million after moves like signing Mike Hilton, the low offer suggests a cautious stance, possibly reserving funds for other needs like a defensive tackle.

Rodgers, now a free agent after his Jets exit, left without comment, leaving his next move uncertain. Will Tomlin’s mea culpa lure him back, or has Pittsburgh burned its bridge with the future Hall of Famer?