Aaron Rodgers, the now 20-year NFL veteran, has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Adam Schefter. He will be available for their minicamp next week.

After a tumultuous stint with the New York Jets, Rodgers was on the market as a free agent this offseason. Although the 4-time MVP may be reaching the end of his career, Bears fans would probably have liked to see the quarterback not on an NFL roster heading into the year.

In late May, Rodgers poked fun at Bears fans and hinted at this possible move by teasing that a certain team goes on a road trip this year to the Windy City. With the Steelers’ need for a quarterback apparent, many speculated he was referencing joining Mike Tomlin’s team.

The Steelers and Rodgers will come to Chicago in week 12 of the regular season. Although he may not be the gun-slinger he was while with the Packers, Rodgers has dominated the NFC North rivals his entire career.

Rodgers owns a career record of 24-5, nearing 7,000 passing yards, 64 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions against the Bears. It’s one of the most dominating performances against a team by a player. The Bears last took a game from the future Hall of Famer in December of 2018, defeating the Packers, 24-17 at Soldier Field to clinch the NFC North.

The Bears haven’t seen Rodgers since 2022, and a lot has changed since then for the Monsters of the Midway. However, with a new quarterback and coaching staff at the helm, Bears fans have reason to be optimistic about their chances when facing the former Packer.

When week 12 comes, Ben Johnson and his new regime should have a good idea of what they’re capable of. Whether or not they can rid Bears fans of Aaron Rodgers’ torment remains to be seen. But, it would come as a great delight to the Bears faithful.