The NFL offseason has hit June, which means most of the top-name free agents have already been scooped up. Some notable names are still looking to work as league-wide mandatory minicamps loom, including long-time Detroit Lions rival quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers, 41, has been mulling his future ever since the New York Jets designated him for a post-June 1 release back in February. Nearly four months have passed since the former Super Bowl MVP was kicked to the curb, leaving fans around the league — including the Lions faithful — to wonder if the NFL world had already seen the last of Rodgers on a field.
But just as it looked like the Lions wouldn't get a chance to face off against their old villain, it's been revealed that Dan Campbell & Co. will have one more opportunity to take Rodgers down a peg.
Lions to Face Aaron Rodgers in Week 16 After Signing with Steelers
On Thursday afternoon, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that all signs are pointing to Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the week is over. The Steelers reportedly offered him a one-year contract in March, and it looks like the four-time NFL MVP is ready to put pen to paper.
"Rodgers informed the Steelers he’ll fly to Pittsburgh on Friday and sign before next week’s minicamp," Pelissero wrote.
After spending nearly two decades with the Green Bay Packers, Lions fans are more than familiar with Rodgers after playing him twice per season. He last faced Detroit during Week 18 of the 2022 campaign, but that'll change as the Lions are set to host the Steelers for a Week 16 showdown on Sunday, Dec. 21.
Needless to say, Lions fans would love nothing more than to defeat Rodgers for one last time before he hangs up his cleats.
Rodgers terrorized the NFC North throughout his time in the division, which includes racking up 18 victories against the Lions — his second-most against any team. The 10-time Pro Bowl QB has also completed 64.9% of passes in 26 all-time encounters with Detroit, recording 54 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions with a 105.1 passer rating.
Although he's dominated them throughout his career, the Lions have actually gotten the better of Rodgers recently. Detroit is 3-0 in its last three encounters with the former Cal product, limiting him to just 54 completions on 88 attempts (61.4%) for 634 yards, four TDs, four INTs, and a 79.5 passer rating.
With Rodgers' best days clearly in the rearview, Lions fans have to be licking their chops at the upcoming late-season reunion. The ex-Packers QB created nothing but problems in the Motor City throughout his time in the NFC North, and sending him into retirement with another loss would provide the Lions with a huge boost right before the postseason.