Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers to one-year, $13.6 million deal; QB to wear No. 8, address media Tuesday

While the team dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s over the past few days, the Rodgers-to-Pittsburgh storyline has been brewing since March.

Rather than sign in the initial days of free agency like many of his fellow high-profile players untethered to a team, Rodgers waited, sorting out whatever needed sorting and contemplating playing a 21st season while the football world shuffled on.

Potential landing spots dwindled as teams like the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns added players through free agency or the draft (or both). The Steelers brought back Mason Rudolph and drafted Will Howard in the sixth round, but otherwise avoided big swings as they awaited Rodgers’ decision.

In the meantime, Rodgers made a few media appearances, but either stuck to other topics or happily dabbled in light trolling, such as when he told a crowd weeks ago that — while he wouldn’t play for the rival Chicago Bears — he might suit up for a team that’s scheduled to travel to the Windy City.

The Steelers are indeed the club Rodgers alluded to, and now he’s officially joined them.

With his name signed to the dotted line, he’ll have his first chance to speak more earnestly about his decision, as well as the season ahead, on Tuesday.