The 2025 draft came and went without any clarity emerging on the Aaron Rodgers front, leading to further questions regarding where (if at all) he will play this year. If the future Hall of Famer suits up, Pittsburgh remains the likeliest destination. 
The Steelers are still “optimistic” Rodgers will sign, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. Team and player have remained in contact well after meeting in person during free agency, but the 41-year-old’s most recent public comments on his situation made it clear personal matters are the top priority for now. A starting gig would await Rodgers upon arrival in Pittsburgh, especially if his stated willingness to take a one-year pact for as little as $10MM holds true.
Mason Rudolph returned to the organization after a one-year absence, and the Steelers have repeatedly expressed confidence in his ability to handle QB1 duties for at least the 2025 campaign. As Graziano writes, Pittsburgh’s stance on the quarterback situation is more positive internally than it is viewed from the outside. Skylar Thompson and sixth-round rookie Will Howard round out the depth chart at this point.
The Steelers fully intend to bring four signal-callers to training camp, per usual. As a result, an addition of some kind will need to be made, and Kirk Cousins looms as the other notable veteran who could be obtained (albeit via trade, and in a manner which would no doubt require a more lucrative financial commitment than a Rodgers signing). The Vikings are – in all likelihood – no longer in the market for an addition under center, taking Rodgers’ preferred team out of the running.
Shedeur Sanders loomed as an option for the Steelers at pick No. 21 last month, but the team was split on drafting the Colorado product. Pittsburgh waited until much later to add a developmental rookie, with owner Art Rooney II saying in between that Rodgers wants to play for his team in 2025. A short-term arrangement would leave open the possibility of adding a starting-caliber rookie next year, thus meeting Pittsburgh’s goal of acquiring a long-term passer within the 2025 or ’26 drafts.
Rudolph helped lead the Steelers to the postseason in 2023 upon taking over from Kenny Pickett. The latter was unable to deliver on expectations as a Ben Roethlisberger successor, something Rodgers will of course not be viewed as even in the event he signs. An agreement on that front would nevertheless add intrigue to the prospects for a team whose regular season schedule begins with a Jets matchup and includes a Week 8 Sunday night contest in Green Bay.
The Falcons are having a Memorial Day sale on Kirko’s if the Steelers are interested? 😉
Naaaah they’re waiting for their lover Rodgers like a simp😂
Speaking of simps
…?
Well Aaron Rodgers was feeling left out so he wants to m make sure he is back in the NFL news with his ridiculous manipulation of the Steelers. Look in the dictionary for narcissist and you have a picture of Rodgers.
Maybe Ben should just come out of retirement for one season and then Rodgers can go play Arena football or retire.
Ryan Clark was on point on First Take this morn. This team’s number one need is/was a franchise QB. They clearly pandered to Rodgers—in an effort to not hurt his feelings, God forbid—by bypassing Sanders. And repeatedly so. Say what you wish about the kid, but by not drafting him one sees the depths of Steelers groveling. It’d be hilarious if it wasn’t so disturbing
As a fan of the franchise since the Noll era, I hope Rodgers either retires or goes elsewhere. Would serve Rooney, Khan and Tomlin right
Clark said he’d heard there was no way they were going to draft Sanders, even if he was available in round 7. This despite Khan and Tomlin being overheard saying they liked him. There was just no way they were gonna risk Rodgers being offended. Sheesh
I appreciate RC but sometimes his takes are terrible and this is one of them. They didn’t pass on Sanders because of Rodgers. Teams like the Giants and Saints also passed on him. Stop buying into the hype train that fell flat
TJ, whether it was Sanders, moving up for Dart, drafting Shough, and allowing two QB’s to walk, come on, it’s pandering for a 42 year old
As for Sanders, take some of your own advice. I watch way too much college football to diss the kid. I can’t say he’ll be HoF-bound someday, but he’s a lot better than anything the Steelers have. Guess we’ll see
Or maybe it’s a sign that the Steelers don’t want to repeat the Pickett mistake by drafting a quarterback just for the sake of drafting a quarterback?
The Rodgers hatred has gotten to the point where it’s just reactionary, at this point. We all know that Pittsburgh is looking to next year to get their QB. If Rodgers (or whomever starts) plays well, he may buy them another year. But the Steelers evidently don’t think that their QB of the future was in this draft. Chances are, Rodgers will show up, play well, and the Steelers will be fine this year and try to go for a QB next year. If Rodgers doesn’t play well, or doesn’t show up, then the Steelers will be in good shape to get an early draft pick.
The constant hatred with Rodgers being 42 and taking time to announce what is a personal decision has reached a point where it’s just more prevalent than the articles regarding his decision itself. To be honest, it feels like people just repeat what others put out about it without considering the whole picture. Maybe Rodgers signs, maybe the Falcons lower the price for Cousins, maybe Rudolph starts, maybe Favre unretires. We’ll know when we’ll know. Either way, Pittsburgh is looking to the future to get its actual next franchise quarterback.
After the Pickett fiasco, I doubt that Khan wants to make same mistake twice. It might be painful for a season, maybe even two, but instead of dumping on the Steelers, try to give Khan a little credit for showing some patience and actually learning from a mistake-which is a rare thing for any occupation, let alone NFL GMs.
I don’t hate any player. Nothing personal. I won’t judge a guy’s personal life because really, what does it matter where playing the game is concerned
I understand all of your points and you offer a great deal of logic here
As someone who watches a great deal of college ball, I don’t see next year’s QB class as being any better than this year’s. Deeper with guys who may go in rounds 2, 3, sure, but beyond Manning, a great deal of questions
You’re right in your Pickett argument but it should be remembered that no other team has him being above a round 3 pick. That was a hometown, feel good pick that went sour
Still, it shouldn’t have dissuaded them from taking one of the top guys this year
What Clark said makes a great deal of sense. Here we are in Pittsburgh, where Roethlisberger once took offense to the drafting of his heir apparent. Rodgers once did the same. No hatred in saying that Rodgers will be 42 this year. Bowing to him makes little sense
As for Khan, I do have patience. He’s done a lot here as has Weidl. But continually missing on the biggest need is worth critique. That’s all
I can agree with you, if your argument is based around your valuation of Sanders. Sure, if he’s a player that you believe in, none of this year’s stratagem makes really any sense. I see that, entirely.
I think that if the Pickett thing didn’t happen, maybe Khan would have approached this year differently. Now, this is going to be a decision that will to be evaluated in, say, three or four years’ time instead of two years’ time (after the quarterbacks picked this year have some experience to at least offer a notion as to their ability).
As for now, if Rodgers plays, I think that he’ll play mostly well, at least. Independent from my opinion, he’ll offer more than they had last year. Unless he really exceeds expectations, however, I can’t see how this could go longer than two seasons, max (the second of course possibly being a learning year for a rookie, if Rodgers is still possibly playing well). I think one is more realistic. But I disagree that they’re “bowing” to him. They’re waiting, like we are, but if time comes and he’s not there, they’ll move on. I don’t think that’s guaranteed that Pittsburgh won’t pursue another veteran (Cousins, mostly, if something changes). They’re looking ahead, anyway, and right now, it’s not like there’s anyone they have to do better. I know, they could have had a rookie QB, but apparently they didn’t believe in any enough to take him. So, to me, it’s apparent that Pittsburgh is holding its cards till next year-which also could give them a chance to plug some more holes for their eventual starters.
I think that the Steelers either don’t believe in the quarterbacks this year, or just want to be absolutely sure that they don’t have any concerns about the guy that they do with. That part seems apparent to me. The question that I have now is whether they have their eyes on a particular player, or whether they just didn’t think that this class will measure up to the next in general. Well in next year’s draft-if they have a guy, they’ll probably go all out to get him if it’s necessary. Still, I don’t why they wouldn’t at least add a FA WR to operate opposite of Metcalf. They have plenty of money, and such a player won’t be expensive or long term.
Sorry, it was hard to see this post on my phone. Left out a few words as a result, so apologies for a few awkward phrasings.
In Pickett’s defense, he was still learning to play QB with a lousy coach in Canada and diva receivers who are now gone. The Steelers probably needed to replace him but he didnt have the best offense to work with while being thrown into the line-up.
Colbert drafted Pickett not Kahn. Kahn knew he sucked.
Yes, I remember. Khan still has to deal with the consequences though, in avoiding a similar mistake.
None of the QBs in this draft were first round worthy if you look at prior years drafts. Sanders is not a starting QB in the NFL. Teams were concerned of the circus that would follow him and his attitude was somewhat suspect based on reports. Personally I’m glad the Steelers passed on the kid, and I hope they do the same with Rodgers. Personally I think Cousins would be a solid 1-2 year option until they get zeroed in on the next franchise QB. Until then, it’s going to be a team that will only go as far as their QB can take them.
If the Falcons cut Cousins, he’d be a no brainer, even with a possibly bum shoulder. The problem is that Atlanta wants compensation and salary relief (and we don’t know what Cousins’ playing form is yet). Rodgers, with that consideration, will be cheaper, and right now is a more known commodity as far as playing quality. However, I think that a healthy Cousins would do well and fit this plan. If Pittsburgh didn’t have to compensate Atlanta, the shoulder question wouldn’t preclude his addition on its own, but the two together (versus a true free agent in Rodgers) are why the Steelers want the latter instead of the former, which I get. But, in either case, I don’t see this as being as gloomy for Pittsburgh as a loud (and numerous) contingent are making it.
If the Steelers wanted to roll with Rodgers (or another veteran) for several seasons, I’d agree. But a season, or maybe two while a rookie possibly sits if the starter can still perform, seems a small price to pay to land the right quarterback and still maintain a competitive spirit for him to inherit. The difficulty of maintaining the latter is a bit unrecognized by fans, but there’s a reason that certain teams (Jacksonville, Cleveland, etc) continue to lose overall over time despite their changes. You don’t need to have a first overall pick to get a successful franchise player, either. The Chiefs and the Jags have both proven that, in opposite directions. The Steelers have, too-their last two championships came on the back of a non-first overall pick.
So, the idea that they need to be the worst in the league in order to move up or to find their guy is not necessarily true-they just need to find him, first, which is the hardest part. It certainly helps to have a better pick, but as we’ve seen, it’s no guarantee. I dare say that the culture, in the end, matters just as much (and sometimes more). There are a few quarterbacks taken in the first who probably (operative word being “probably”) would have done better in an environment like Pittsburgh than the places they ended up going. Using Rodgers or Cousins or whomever to buy time and keep that spirit isn’t as bad as it seems, but we’ll have to see who they pick next year (or whenever) to evaluate if they truly did make the right choice.
I saw where Ryan Clark had what I consider to be the oddest of the Tomlin takes…the “his message has gone stale” take.
If you want to argue that Mike Sullivan’s voice had gone stale because it was the same core of players hearing it for almost a decade, that would be a legitimate argument/concern.
In football the roster churns too much for a message to go “stale”. The only guys who have been on the team long enough for his message to be “stale” for are the ones who buy into it the most.
His take was spot on. Just because the Giants and Saints passed on Sanders doesn’t mean the Steelers’ reason for passing on him wasn’t at least partially tied to Rodgers. After all, it was reported prior to the draft that the Steelers had given Rodgers an ultimatum that they had to have his decision 48 hours before the draft began.
COME ON STEELERS MOVE ON FROM THIS IDIOT. If artie and mostly Tomlin think that this living brain dead cancer will lead the steelers to the promised land…then I have some meme crypto coins to sell you. And you know the scam there
An immobile 41 yr old QB and an OL that ranked 29th in pass protection seem like a perfect fit 🙂
Remember the O line is made up of 1st and 2nd year guys…and don’t forget the qb held the ball too long and was too immobile
The O line will improve drastically this year
Sharon, retire..no one cares. I would rather have Neil O’Donnell throwing the ball.
Well yeah. That’s a 5 win team with their current QB room
No player links activated
to Pro Football Reference Adam!!??
BUT, Are the Steelers in Rogers’ plans ??
*pounds own head repeatedly on nearest wall*
I’m not surprised that a franchise pandered to a QB. Surprised it’s the Steelers but again it happens fairly often. But there’s a few things that make this worse. First, he’s not committed and personal issues aside he could have done that by now. Perhaps letting them know he’s signing on but will need some time to eliminate some drama and give some clarity. Second, this is Aaron Rodgers he’s known for this drama maybe as much as an QB in history. Third, what exactly did he do last year to warrant going absolutely going all in on him signing. Rodgers got away with all this drama over the years because like him or not he was an MVP and sure fire hall of famer. But he was mediocre at best last year and one year older this isn’t an MVP caliber QB or one that inserting in place of Fields or Wilson makes them Super Bowl contenders. He would need a rebound season and although he was coming off major injury he’s still likely going into his last year in the NFL. The guys ridiculous. He always has personal issues his family can’t even tolerate him. I wouldn’t want to eat much of anything of his salary but Cousins gives you just as good of a chance as Rodgers and as long as he’s in a position to start he’s basically drama free. I guess it’s too late now Rodgers is really the only viable option outside of Cousins and again I don’t see anyone taking on what the Falcons want much less give them draft compensation. But if this carousel ends with Rudolph as QB a playoff team who let go two QBs other teams are inserting as starters will be without a playoff caliber starter.
Imagine if Aaron just shafts them completely and signs with the Saints as the Derek Carr replacement.
Saints have two good young tackles and one of the best centres in the league. You’ve got one of the best RB’s of this era who is also a great receiver and better WRers here than the Steelers.
Steelers have a tough division whereas the Saints have Tampa, ATL and Carolina.
Steelers have one thing that the Saints don’t, and never do: plenty of cap space.
Pittsburgh’s age is also mostly on the other side of the ball. Their offense is younger than New Orleans’, which is essentially just Kamara and maybe Olave at this point.
The division is more manageable, but Carolina could take a step forward, Mayfield has led an offensive resurgence in Tampa, and Atlanta has the pieces to contend for the division, so it’s not as sure to be bad as it was last year. Ramczyk’s retirement dealt a blow to the line, as they wanted him back, though it wasn’t entirely unforeseen. I think that it’s a stretch to mark that line down as a for sure option right now, especially with an aging Kamara as the offensive centerpiece.
If Rodgers still hasn’t decided if he wants to play football, you gotta question his desire to play even if he does come back. A once proud Steelers franchise looks pathetic
As a lifelong Steeler fan, I can’t disagree with you.
Best thing for the Steelers would be to not sign Rodgers, go 4-13, and then draft a top QB next year. If they do sign Rodgers they’ll go 9-8, miss the playoffs, but not have the draft capital to move up to take a top QB. The worst place to be in the NFL is in the middle, and that’s what they’re destined for if they sign Rodgers. Tell him to kick rocks and reset your franchise.
Agreed. I hope they are left at the altar and just go with Mason. Why not? With or without one of the veterans, they’re a .500 team at best
Let me just say this about their handling of the QB hole this off season….they’ve conducted themselves as if they’re all in on one guy. They let two QBs walk. They let other younger veterans like Darnold to go elsewhere. And then the draft
It’s not rocket science to understand what Clark was alluding to. They put all their eggs in the Rodgers basket. In drafting a kid like Howard, they bring in someone that some are calling a good back-up down the road. After all, they didn’t want to offend anyone
I don’t care about the guy’s personal life or beliefs. But in bringing in a guy near the end of his career they are again kicking the can down the road where a franchise QB is concerned.
Only team Rodgers is playing for is the Vikings.
That would be a great pairing on the field for both parties, play-wise, and a much better fit than Pittsburgh. Minnesota wants to give McCarthy the keys, which shouldn’t be a shock given his draft status, but their team could win now with a veteran quarterback. They can protect Rodgers and offer consistent passing weapons, which is what he needs at his age, and he can not be asked to do too much like he was in New York, which should make his play more efficient.
I doubt it happens, though. Minnesota wants to give McCarthy his chance, which is understandable. I’d still like to see it, even if it is partially to complete the Favre arc.
The Steelers will have enough draft capital to move up 10 slots in 2026 if need be.
Brady looks like he’s still in shape.
I am so sick reading about this JAGOFF. I just hope they go with Rudolph. I think he can do better than a 41 year old tinker bell MORON.