Aaron Rodgers

Art Rooney II: Aaron Rodgers Wants To Play For Steelers

April 25th, 2025 at 10:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the third round of the NFL draft ongoing, Aaron Rodgers looms over the developing quarterback landscape. Connections to the Steelers continue as the team weighs a potential rookie addition.

Owner Art Rooney II said during a Friday appearance on Steelers Now that Rodgers does “want” to come to Pittsburgh (h/t ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). He added news on this long-running front may be coming soon as a result.

Team and player have remained in communication this week, with the Steelers obviously preferring to have clarity on whether or not Rodgers will sign prior to the start of the draft. It remains to be seen if the 41-year-old will play at all next year, but if he does a short Pittsburgh stint would come as no surprise given the interest shown in him. No timeline is in place, but a number of QB prospects are still on the board with the Steelers due to pick 83rd overall.

During his recent public comments on his situation, Rodgers said personal matters are currently receiving the bulk of his attention during his lengthy free agent stint. The four-time MVP has communicated to teams he is prepared to take a one-year deal in the $10MM range, an arrangement which would certainly leave the door open to the addition of a rookie. Rodgers is (at least publicly) on board with suitors moving forward with a QB draft pick, and it will be interesting to see if the Steelers do indeed go that route soon.

Pittsburgh was among the teams which had a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, but the team turned down the opportunity to select him and instead took Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, remains on the board with the opening two rounds in the books. Head coach Mike Tomlin is believed to be a fan of Sanders, making him a potential target with the team’s third-rounder.

In any event, Rooney’s comments made it clear a rookie would not be expected to handle starting duties right away in 2025. The team has Mason Rudolph back in the fold for next season, and Rodgers would of course occupy the QB1 role in the event he were to take Pittsburgh’s long-standing offer. A long-term solution under center remains a logical goal, though.

“It’s going to be somebody that will be developing and may play down the road,” Rooney said (via Alan Saunders of Steelers Now). “It’s not like somebody that’s going to have a big impact on this season.”

The Steelers have made it clear they will enter training camp with four quarterbacks, two more than they currently have. Rodgers is obviously still in play to join the team at some point as the wait continues with respect to seeing Pittsburgh’s draft plans.

Steelers Sought Aaron Rodgers Answer During Draft Week

April 25th, 2025 at 3:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

3:40pm: Dialogue between team and player continues in this case, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. She adds there is still no timeline in place for a decision to be made, so attention will remain focused on Pittsburgh’s draft moves (if any) under center.

12:02pm: Aaron Rodgers received an offer to start for the Steelers at free agency’s outset. That was more than six weeks ago. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has not determined if he will play in 2025, even as previous reports pointed to it. The Steelers are also not believed to be Rodgers’ first choice.

As the Vikings have stiff-armed the ex-Packers and Jets starter, while they wait to see if J.J. McCarthy can seize the Week 1 job, the Steelers still would provide a clear-cut path for Rodgers to remain a starter. The 41-year-old QB said last week, during his first Pat McAfee Show appearance since his Jets release, he would not attempt to dictate any draft move an interested team made. But the Steelers, after choosing Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon at No. 21, are still in dire need of a quarterback.

It would make sense if the team received some degree of assurance Rodgers would sign, but that still does not appear to be the case. The Steelers also are believed to have reached out for clarity before the draft, as The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports the team communicated with Rodgers this week in hopes he would give an answer at least 48 hours before the draft. The Steelers’ Harmon pick could be a sign the team received the answer it wanted, but considering how Rodgers has played his free agency so far, his top suitor may well remain in the dark.

The Steelers enter Day 2 of the draft without a second-round pick, having dealt it to the Seahawks for D.K. Metcalf. This limits the team’s chances to add one of the top remaining quarterbacks. Connections to Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart came out during the pre-draft process. Dart went to the Giants at No. 25, while Sanders remains on the board.

Although the Colorado QB’s stock has undeniably dipped since the Buffaloes’ season ended, it would still surprise if Sanders were available by the time the Steelers’ third-round pick (No. 83) went on the clock. That would put a trade-up into play, though an early Jalen Milroe connection emerged as well. The Steelers also did work on Quinn Ewers, Will Howard and Kyle McCord. Each member of trio may well be there by No. 83, though Milroe is not expected to fall that far. Pittsburgh adding Ewers, Howard or McCord, however, would call into question the team’s plan for 2025.

If Rodgers continues to pause a Steelers signing, the organization may be forced to act. Kirk Cousins has come up at multiple junctures for the AFC North team, but a roster with both he and Rodgers would not make sense. Cousins is not believed to be interested in waiving his no-trade clause for a team that adds a potential rookie starter.

The Steelers could attempt to thread the needle by adding a third-round QB or using a Day 3 pick on the position, keeping the door open for Cousins or Rodgers to accompany Mason Rudolph. But the team will run the risk of losing out altogether — depending on the Falcons’ decision (which still involves a team taking on a sizable chunk of Cousins’ money) and Rodgers’ retirement call. The Steelers are believed to want to make their QB draft investment this year or next, but they held off on Dart and Sanders last night, having been burned by a QB reach (for Kenny Pickett) recently.

While Mike Tomlin has said he would feel comfortable starting Rudolph, that probably should not even be considered Plan B for the Steelers. Cousins or a Day 2 rookie probably would be the team’s preferred starter, if Rodgers refuses to sign. Art Rooney II said the team is OK waiting on Rodgers and expressed confidence at the owners meetings Rodgers would sign. But this draft news does confirm some understandable impatience on the organization’s part. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers proceed tonight.

Browns, Steelers, Vikings Linked To Kirk Cousins; Saints In Mix For Falcons QB?

April 23rd, 2025 at 11:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Shedeur Sanders probably enters the draft with the most compelling storyline, a player who came off the board on Day 3 13 years ago is pushing for a front-row spot. The Kirk Cousins situation remains foggy, even after the demoted Falcons quarterback reported on time for his team’s offseason program.

Cousins is still eyeing a way out of Atlanta, and teams continue to come up as interested parties. Even after their Joe Flacco addition — one that came after Cousins consideration — the Browns are being mentioned as a candidate to add Cousins. So are the Steelers and Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. How teams proceed in the draft will obviously play a central role in Cousins’ willingness to sign off on a trade, as he is not planning to waive his no-trade clause before the draft — in an effort to avoid a redux of his 2024 storyline.

Of the above-referenced trio, Russini points to the Vikings being the least likely to add Cousins — in what would be a quick reunion — due to J.J. McCarthy‘s presence. With McCarthy’s path to the Minnesota starting job clear enough the team has brushed off Aaron Rodgers, it would be understandable if Cousins — his production under Kevin O’Connell notwithstanding — would be leery of landing there again. Cousins would be against a trade that sends him to a team with a starter-level young passer, Russini adds. Considering the teams in this mix, that might be a difficult play.

Employing ex-Cousins Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski, the Browns are candidates to circle back to address their QB situation after making their first-round pick (likely Travis Hunter). The Giants, Saints, Rams and Dolphins join the Steelers in being linked to early-round QB investments. Cleveland already signing Flacco and adding Kenny Pickett via trade would stand to block a Cousins path — if a rookie is tabbed, at least. If the Browns somehow leave this draft without a QB, they could be in play to reunite Cousins and Stefanski, where a Flacco competition would stand to be on tap.

As odd as it would be to see the Falcons send their high-priced backup to their top rival, the Saints should also be considered on the Cousins radar, Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline writes. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot came from the Saints, and Pauline adds the Falcons would consider dealing Cousins to any team willing to pay a sizable chunk of the QB’s 2025 money. Cousins’ 2025 base salary ($27.5MM) is guaranteed, giving the Falcons no incentive to move on without someone taking on part of the salary. We heard earlier this offseason that Atlanta wanted an acquiring team to pay at least $20MM of Cousins’ tab. That has seemed highly unlikely to occur.

Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe were traded within their divisions this century, creating a precedent for Fontenot and Co. The Saints, however, want to leave this draft with a quarterback. Mickey Loomis evaded Derek Carr questions at his pre-draft presser today, further muddying this situation, one that has the veteran starter in danger of missing some (or all) of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. New Orleans has done extensive work on prospects but is viewed as less likely to spend its No. 9 overall pick on the position. This would send them into a battle royal of sorts with the lot of teams eyeing this draft’s second wave of passers.

The Steelers could be the spot teams eyeing a trade-up maneuver to target, though they are not certain to use their first-rounder (No. 21) on a QB, either. Mike Tomlin has said Mason Rudolph would be an acceptable starter, but Pittsburgh — recent doubts aside — is still pursuing Rodgers. It had been expected around the league, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Steelers would have an answer from the future Hall of Famer by the draft. With that not happening, the Steelers need to cover their bases. On that note, they have also done work on potential Day 3 options in Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and his Ohio State successor (Will Howard), per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.

More notably, Fowler adds the Steelers want to take a QB swing in one of the next two drafts. That could create the illusion of flexibility, though if Rodgers does not show in Pittsburgh, Rudolph would move to the front of the line if the Steelers do not make a first- or second-day addition. Cousins, then, would become insurance against Rodgers balking at a longstanding Pittsburgh offer. Would the Steelers make a preemptive play for the Falcons backup if they lose patience with Rodgers?

Offering a final wrinkle here, Schultz adds Arthur Blank could also opt to keep Cousins (after presumably not seeing other teams agree to take on much salary). Several sources inform Schultz that Cousins could be effectively held hostage (a well-paid hostage, but still) as Michael Penix Jr.‘s backup. Considering Penix’s injury past, the Falcons considering Fontenot’s previous decree to retain Cousins as QB2 has some merit.

This would drain a year from Cousins’ career, his age-37 season, while giving the Falcons insurance ahead of a smoother 2026 release. It would stand to reason we still have plenty of Cousins updates to come between now and this potential reality.

Aaron Rodgers’ Age, Durability Were Giants’ Biggest Concerns

April 20th, 2025 at 10:03pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Giants seriously considered pursuing Aaron Rodgers, but concerns about his age and durability were too significant for team president John Mara to move forward with a potential signing, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.

General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll preferred Rodgers to the other quarterbacks available in free agency, but Mara needed to be convinced. Rodgers has a reputation as an intense personality in the locker room with no shortage of off-field controversies

The Giants reached out to three members of the last Jets regime – head coach Robert Saleh, general manager Joe Douglas, and defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel – who said that Rodgers was “no problem in the locker room,” per Dunleavy. (Manuel was hired in January as the Giants’ new defensive pass game coordinator.) There was no way around the mercurial quarterback’s attention-grabbing words and antics, but the team was willing to overlook that, especially for how cheap Rodgers would be.

What the Giants could not get past, according to Dunleavy, was the potential for Rodgers to miss time this season due to injury. Mara has repeatedly expressed his lack of patience with the team’s lack of results in the last two years, and Rodgers showed signs of limited mobility in 2024 after tearing his Achilles a year prior. He’s also openly debated retirement in each of the last few offseason, including this one, making it clear that he’s not a long-term answer at quarterback.

Instead the Giants went with younger players in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on incentive-laden one-year deals to see if one can emerge as a plus starter in 2025. They’ve also done their homework on the current draft class and could add a new franchise quarterback next week.

Latest On Steelers, Aaron Rodgers; Mike Tomlin High On Shedeur Sanders?

April 18th, 2025 at 12:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

APRIL 18: Members of the Steelers’ organization are anxious to move forward, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes. He adds, however, that Pittsburgh remains open to working out a deal – something which may very well take place after the draft. Jones predicts the Steelers’ “cutoff point” on the Rodgers front will come at some time this offseason, but it will likely not be after a rookie is selected (presuming the team takes that route next week).

APRIL 17: Aaron Rodgers broke his silence Thursday, but while he spoke of a disappointing exit meeting with the Jets’ new brass and of his batch of suitors, the high-profile (and high-maintenance) quarterback did not give a timeline for when, or if, he would sign. This leaves the Steelers — the lone team still waiting out this situation — a major question to answer soon. Will they opt to join the Giants in moving on?

That is not out of the question. This might be a situation the team chooses to steer clear of due to the “headache” that has been known to come with employing Rodgers, Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline writes. The Steelers still seem quite interested in Rodgers, to the point their power brokers expressed optimism about an agreement coming to fruition recently. But Pittsburgh’s offer has been on the table for over a month now. With the draft a week away, the team at least needs to have a contingency plan.

Going from Russell Wilson to Mason Rudolph would not qualify as an upgrade for the Steelers, despite the party line of the team being confident in the former Ben Roethlisberger backup and Kenny Pickett replacement. Retirement remains in play for Rodgers, who had alerted the Vikings of his interest in landing there this offseason. The Giants saw the writing on the wall and signed Wilson.

While Rodgers has thrown passes to D.K. Metcalf this offseason, the Steelers may need to come out of this draft with a starter-caliber option. Otherwise, the Rudolph insurance option may become necessary. Joe Flacco rejoining the Browns, and the Falcons are still wanting a suitor to pay a sizable portion of Kirk Cousins‘ 2025 salary in the event of a post-draft trade. That is believed to be an issue for the Steelers.

Rodgers did not give the Steelers an ultimatum regarding their draft strategy, as he would qualify as likely a 2025-only solution if he were to sign. This would not stand to affect the Steelers in the draft, though had Rodgers committed already, the team could certainly have the freedom to bolster its roster around the aging QB in the first round. Instead, the prospect the team uses a first-round pick on a quarterback has been bandied about for weeks. Ely Allen’s PFR mock draft sends Shedeur Sanders to Pittsburgh at No. 21, and Pauline points to that scenario being one the team’s highest-profile staffer may well endorse.

Mike Tomlin is a Sanders supporter, per Pauline, who adds the 19th-year HC would be “in favor” of drafting the Colorado prospect. Sanders detractors have pointed to a lack of high-level traits worthy of a first-round pick, with the QB not resembling his Hall of Fame father-turned-coach in terms of athleticism. Sanders has received praise for his accuracy and toughness, but concerns about his upside have led to doubts about the former Division I-FCS recruit finding a top-10 landing spot.

Unless the Browns and Giants are conducting elaborate smokescreen operations, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter (in some order) will go off the board after Cam Ward. The Raiders, Jets and Saints could be in play for Sanders, but rumors are pointing those franchises elsewhere. This could leave a door open for the Steelers, though their situation — one Rodgers’ indecision has illuminated — leaves them vulnerable to a team trading in front of them at No. 21 and snagging Sanders. Tomlin-Jalen Milroe connections had formed earlier this offseason, but Pauline adds the accomplished HC sees potential in Sanders.

It does not sound like a Sanders pick will be a must for Tomlin and Pittsburgh, but if he is still on the board at No. 21, this connection will be quite relevant. Pittsburgh is not known for moving up in Round 1, though the franchise has done so twice in the past six drafts (for Devin Bush and Broderick Jones). That would be a scenario to monitor if Sanders falls past the Saints at No. 9.

The Steelers would have options in Milroe, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Quinn Ewers. Though, Derek Carr‘s updated situation creates uncertainty regarding the Saints’ direction. New Orleans wants to leave this draft with a quarterback. The Steelers probably need to as well, in the event their Rodgers’ pursuit goes bust.

Aaron Rodgers Still Considering Retirement; QB Remains In Contact With Steelers

April 17th, 2025 at 10:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

Throughout the 2025 offseason, Aaron Rodgers‘ future has loomed as a talking point. The future Hall of Famer remains unsigned one week before the draft, and nothing is imminent with respect to where (if at all) he will play in 2025.

Rodgers has remained quiet since the end of last season, but on Thursday he made his latest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The 41-year-old touched on a number of subjects, including repeated references to the fact he has several ongoing commitments in his personal life. In large part as a result of that, no firm decision has been made with respect to signing with an interested team or hanging up his cleats.

“I am trying to be open to everything and not specifically attached to anything when it comes to this decision,” Rodgers said (via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network). “I’m not holding anybody hostage… I’m just going through a lot in my personal life that has to take precedent at this point.”

Rodgers said his face-to-face meeting with new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey did not go as he envisioned. It was then that he learned of the team’s decision to move on, by means of a conversation which ended very quickly and which Rodgers added was lacking in respect. New York ultimately released him with a post-June 1 designation, but before that move officially took place he has been free to speak with potential employers.

On that note, Rodgers confirmed he has had conversations with the Giants, Vikings and Steelers about a potential deal. He noted a willingness to play for $10MM in 2025, adding he is not insistent on receiving a multi-year deal to continue his career. Considering the current market for quarterbacks, a one-year commitment in that price range would certainly be feasible for any number of suitors. Several dominoes have already fallen amongst signal-callers, however, and more vacancies will be filled during the draft. Despite what Rodgers termed positive conversations with the likes of Brian Daboll, Kevin O’Connell and Mike Tomlin, therefore, nothing is certain regarding an agreement being worked out.

The Giants have added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and they could add a long-term option in the form of a rookie next week. The Vikings – reported last month to be Rodgers’ preferred landing spot – could stand to bring in a veteran as J.J. McCarthy insurance, but Minnesota has remained publicly comfortable with handing the reins to last year’s No. 10 pick. That leaves the Steelers as a logical landing spot, especially given owner Art Rooney II‘s comments about signs pointing in the direction of a deal.

Pittsburgh could stand to add under center, and Tomlin remains in contact with Rodgers (as the latter confirmed today). The team has not imposed a deadline for a decision, but with the draft approaching the Steelers’ Day 1 plans in particular could depend on which direction Rodgers leans. After making an offer early in free agency, Pittsburgh’s proposal is not believed to have shifted. To little surprise given his other comments, though, Rodgers said the draft will not alter his approach with respect to his playing future.

In other words, the Steelers could add a developmental option as early as the first round next week while still remaining open to a Rodgers signing. The four-time MVP added he is OK with teams moving forward with alternate plans under center, particularly as it pertains to bringing in a rookie. Presumably, a shrinking market for his services would have an impact on his willingness to suit up in 2025, though. To that end, CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala reported on a recent 93.7 The Fan appearance that Rodgers would rather retire than join a team which is not a Super Bowl contender.

Evaluating the candidacy of teams for a dee postseason run in 2025 will of course be easier after the draft takes place, but it does not appear as though any movement on the Rodgers front will be seen by that point. With retirement still on the table, the wait for further developments will continue.

Browns, Giants Have Inquired About Trading For No. 1 Pick; Titans Never Considered Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers?

April 13th, 2025 at 11:15am CST by Rory Parks

APRIL 13: Zac Jackson of The Athletic (subscription required) says the Titans appear sold on Ward. League sources have praised Ward’s maturity and the steady improvements he made over the course of his collegiate career, which leads clubs to believe he can thrive at the professional level.

Russini, on a recent episode of her Scoop City podcast, says it would take an historic offer to convince Tennessee to trade out of the No. 1 overall spot and forego its shot at Ward (video link). Russini adds that the reports of the Titans’ faith in Ward are real and are not part of the club’s effort to drive up the price for the top pick in the draft.

APRIL 6: The Browns and Giants, both still in need of a long-term quarterback despite offseason bridge additions, have inquired about trading up with the Titans to obtain the No. 1 overall pick in this month’s draft, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic (subscription required). We had previously heard Tennessee was fielding calls on that front, and it only makes sense that Cleveland (which presently holds the No. 2 overall pick) and New York (No. 3) would at least see what it would take to make a swap and put themselves in position to land Miami quarterback Cam Ward, the top QB in the 2025 class.

Less than two months ago, many around the league believed the rebuilding Titans would look to trade down, and the Giants were arguably the team most connected to a possible move up the board. The Browns, meanwhile, have been more closely linked to a Kirk Cousins pursuit than a trade for the No. 1 selection, with GM Andrew Berry recently confirming he is unlikely to swing a deal with Tennessee.

Interestingly, Howe says the Titans have not even determined what sort of compensation they would require to move down the board, which further strengthens the prevailing notion that they will select Ward with the top pick. And, contrary to pre-free agency rumors on the matter, Howe says Tennessee never got involved in the Sam Darnold sweepstakes, and he confirms the same is true of Aaron Rodgers. Of course, that represents yet another sign that Ward is Nashville-bound.

Recent reporting has pegged Cleveland as the likely destination for two-way phenom Travis Hunter, and the Giants – who have long been intrigued by Hunter’s collegiate teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders – would thus be in position to nab the polarizing passer. That would align with the belief that Big Blue is “praying” Cleveland takes a non-QB like Hunter so that Sanders will fall to No. 3.

On the other hand, New York is said to be “convinced” Cleveland – its professed comfort in having Kenny Pickett assume QB1 duties notwithstanding – will be the team to take Sanders. The Browns did indeed plan a private workout for Sanders, and according to Howe, the Giants will also meet again with the second-generation star prior to the draft.

With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston having been added to the QB room in free agency, and with Wilson seemingly in the driver’s seat to serve as the starting quarterback regardless of how the draft unfolds, Giants GM Joe Schoen and HC Brian Daboll, who are both clinging to their jobs, may prefer to use the No. 3 pick on a player who can help the team win now rather than a high-upside project like Sanders. To that end, one team picking in the top-10 has told Howe that New York seems to be cooling on the idea of adding a signal-caller with its top draft choice.

Considering the Browns-Hunter connections that have recently emerged — supported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, who says she no longer believes Cleveland will take a QB (video link) — Howe says if the Giants do not select Sanders with the No. 3 pick, they would likely take Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter (assuming Ward and Hunter are off the board by that time). Carter is seen as one of the draft’s best all-around prospects, and New York is one of the four clubs (along with the Titans, Browns, and Patriots) that secured a visit with him. That said, as our Sam Robinson noted when it became clear the Giants would host Carter, they are the team on Carter’s itinerary that would seemingly need him the least, given the presence of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Carter is nonetheless a blue chip talent, and if Hunter is gone by the time the Giants are on the clock, and if New York does not believe Sanders represents the best player available at No. 3, there is logic in nabbing the Penn State product. Or, if they feel Carter is not a great fit, the Giants could trade down themselves in an effort to collect more draft capital.

Steelers Remain Optimistic About Aaron Rodgers Deal; Latest On Vikings’ Interest

April 7th, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

During the recent league meetings, Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed signs continue to point to Aaron Rodgers signing with the team. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has yet to make a decision on his future, but Pittsburgh continues to loom as his likeliest destination.

The Giants are out of the running having signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston; the former operated as Pittsburgh’s starter for much of last season. Backup Justin Fields was known to be a priority for the Steelers, but early in free agency he took a two-year pact with the Jets. That led to a pivot on Pittsburgh’s part, and the team’s reunion with Mason Rudolph has him atop the QB depth chart for the time being.

The Steelers made an offer early in free agency, and with a clear lack of other suitors in play it has not yet been increased. Pittsburgh is prepared to wait for a unknown period of time, but the draft looms as a logical deadline for an agreement to be reached. As the NFL world continues to wait on this front, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Steelers are still “optimistic” about a Rodgers signing taking place (h/t Bleacher Report). He adds, though, that no movement has taken place since Rooney’s remarks pointed to a contract being on the horizon.

Retirement looms as a possibility for Rodgers, although the 41-year-old preferred to remain with the Jets for at least the 2025 campaign. Hanging up his cleats was mentioned as an option for the four-time MVP at the time the Vikings were a possible landing spot, something which technically remains the case at this point. Even though Rodgers made it known to the team Minnesota was his preferred destination, Fowler confirms the Vikings are out of the running unless the parties circle back to one another in the summer.

It was learned last week Rodgers reached out to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell to relay his interest in playing for Minnesota. Several conversations took between the two, and Fowler’s colleague Kevin Seifert notes a number of players – including projected 2025 starter J.J. McCarthy – were made aware of those talks. O’Connell also spoke with the likes of wideout Justin Jefferson and right tackle Brian O’Neill about the prospect of signing Rodgers. Such a move had support from some in the organization, but it would now come as a surprise if it were to take place.

On the topic of retirement, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports it should be considered unlikely at this point (video link). He confirms no progress toward a Rodgers-Steelers agreement appears to have been made over the coming days, although Rodgers’ recent throwing session with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf has continued to fuel the belief one will come into play at some point this offseason. If that proves to be the case, Pittsburgh’s short-term setup at the QB spot will be secure, while the Vikings will continue to be in the market for a veteran insurance option.

Aaron Rodgers Contacted Kevin O’Connell On Vikings Interest

April 3rd, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Steelers continue to express confidence Aaron Rodgers will eventually become their next starting quarterback, the four-time MVP is moving toward a fourth week as a free agent. Rodgers threw passes to D.K. Metcalf recently, which would represent a good sign for Pittsburgh’s prospects to close this market. But uncertainty remains.

A report late last month indicated Rodgers communicated to the Vikings they were his preferred landing spot, and some in the organization backed a deal. The team’s plan remains to deploy J.J. McCarthy as the starter, and ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert notes this aim influenced both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones‘ decisions to leave Minnesota. It has not deterred Rodgers just yet.

Kevin O’Connell confirmed Rodgers reached out to him during his free agency, and Seifert indicates the two spoke multiple times this offseason. Relaying those discussions up the chain with the Vikings, O’Connell is still preparing to develop McCarthy into a Week 1 starter this year. Though, the party line in Minnesota has not locked in this status for last year’s No. 10 overall pick.

“Aaron and I have had a relationship for a long time,” O’Connell said this week. “He initially reached out and we were able to have some conversations. We were on the hunt to always improve our football team and put our football team in the best possible chance to win. … He happened to be at a point in time in his career where he was free to have some real dialogue about what his future may look like. And we happened to be one of those teams that he reached out to.”

Rodgers, 41, and O’Connell, 39, did not play together during the latter’s time touring the league attempting to catch on as a backup. O’Connell enjoyed stints with the Patriots, Lions, Jets, Dolphins and Chargers from 2008-12. O’Connell also never coached in Green Bay, so citing a relationship is certainly interesting — especially pertaining to a potential alliance in Minnesota. It might take a while, however, before the Vikings consider circling back.

Minnesota’s minicamp will run from June 10-12. Teams regularly reevaluate rosters between minicamp and training camp, though quarterback additions — especially starter-caliber QBs — are obviously rare. The Vikings do have a history of late-arriving starters, having traded for Sam Bradford — after Teddy Bridgewater‘s severe 2016 knee injury — and signed Brett Favre during training camp. The Steelers, who have met with Rodgers and confirmed their offer (made early in free agency) is still on the table, should not be expected to wait that long for an answer. It will be interesting if Rodgers does not inform the AFC North team of his plans by the draft.

Rodgers has not seen the Steelers increase their offer, though it stands to reason the team might if he holds out longer, and the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora indicates the future first-ballot Hall of Famer may have a hard time adjusting to his new market. The Giants were believed to have offered Rodgers the most money; they eventually pivoted to Russell Wilson on a one-year, $10.5MM deal. Rodgers should not be expected to come close to his Packers or Jets salaries, and while the 20-year veteran is prioritizing fit, it would stand to reason money is a factor here.

The Vikings may also not know if McCarthy is truly ready — after two meniscus surgeries — until he begins to face competition during 11-on-11 settings, at the very least. That would not happen until training camp. That timeline obviously affects the Steelers, even if they have effectively pushed the Giants out of this race. It is worth wondering how big the gap between Rodgers’ views of the Vikings and Steelers are. The bigger the difference in the QB’s opinion of these teams, the longer it would make sense for him to wait.

The Steelers continue to express patience, but if Rodgers does not sign, they will need to either seriously consider Mason Rudolph as a bridge or look into another veteran. Mike Tomlin said his 2023 playoff starter could still serve as a starter, but that is certainly not the organization’s goal. Joe Flacco remains in free agency, and Kirk Cousins is a trade candidate. Pittsburgh continues to do homework on draft prospects, but holding the No. 21 overall pick in a draft not flooded with high-level QB prospects, this reminds of the Kenny Pickett year.

Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin Remain In Contact

April 1st, 2025 at 10:52am CST by Ben Levine

APRIL 1: When speaking at the league meetings on Tuesday, Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed (via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) “signs are pointing in that direction” with respect to a Rodgers deal being worked out. He added the team is still willing to wait for Rodgers at this point, although that will not be the case forever (h/t Pryor).

MARCH 31: We may not be any closer to Aaron Rodgers signing in Pittsburgh, but all signs continue to point to the quarterback joining the Steelers. While speaking with reporters today, coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged that he’s remained in contact with Rodgers since their in-person meeting on March 21 (via Mark Maske of The Washington Post).

While Tomlin acknowledged that he didn’t have any new updates on the public flirtation between the two sides, he did reiterate that there isn’t any urgency for a resolution. Following reports from yesterday that training camp would represent the “line of demarcation” for the organization, Tomlin said he’s “really comfortable with being unsettled this time of year” (via Maske).

Tomlin also talked about his meeting with Rodgers, noting that he was happy to speak with a long-time competitor.

“There’s no substitute for intimacy and spending time together,” Tomlin said (via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo). “[G]etting to know one another in a non-competitive environment.”

As Rodgers considers his next move, Tomlin isn’t the only Steelers employee he’s been talking to. According to Garafolo, the QB had a throwing session with recent acquisition D.K. Metcalf. Garafolo suggests this could simply be a part of Rodgers’ process as he evaluates the potential landing spot, but it could also be the determining factor before the player puts pen to paper.

Considering the Steelers’ lack of free agent options and Rodgers’ dearth of remaining suitors, the two sides seem to be a natural pairing. While the assumption is that they’ll eventually link up, the organization seems to be proactively planting the seeds in case a contract doesn’t come to fruition. While speaking with reporters today, Tomlin said the Steelers would be comfortable heading into next season with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback.

“That’s why we brought him back,” Tomlin said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “I’m comfortable with that. We’ve been there before. He’s a very capable guy.”

Of course, the Steelers got a look at Rudolph as a starter during his first stint in Pittsburgh, as the former third-round pick went 8-4-1 as a starter between 2019 and 2023. Rudolph didn’t fare nearly as well during his 2024 stay in Tennessee (1-4 as a starter), but the Steelers were still confident enough in his ability to bring him back on a two-year deal. Skylar Thompson is the only other QB currently on the Steelers roster.

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