The Pittsburgh Steelers face quarterback uncertainty, and Aaron Rodgers' indecision risks leaving them scrambling for a stopgap starter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers waited on Aaron Rodgers for almost all of last offseason to make a decision on whether he would sign with them as a free agent.
The veteran quarterback and four-time NFL MVP wanted to take his time in free agency to decide whether to retire or play a 21st season with either the Steelers or the Minnesota Vikings.
Rodgers did not sign until June 5 because he had all the leverage in the negotiations. Pittsburgh knew it had to wait for him. Rodgers could also skip offseason workouts by signing a contract closer to training camp.
If Rodgers had not signed, then the Steelers would have had to start career backup Mason Rudolph, untested Skylar Thompson, or rookie Will Howard.
Pittsburgh is hoping to sign Rodgers for next season before free agency begins next Wednesday. They would like to either have a quarterback in place or not, which would simplify their strategy for free agency and even the draft, which will be held May 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers don’t think they be able to acquire a franchise quarterback this offseason. Thus, they need a stopgap for at least one more season and prefer Rodgers.
Rodgers helped lead the Steelers to the AFC North title last season and did not create any of his famous drama or distractions. He and new Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy worked together with the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons from 2006-18.
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday on ESPN, Rodgers will be deliberate in deciding his future.
I’ve talked to Mike. I’ve talked to (general manager) Omar (Khan). There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” Rodgers said. “There’s no contract offer or anything. So, there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between. I’m a free agent.
“I think there’s conversations to be had down the line. But right now, there haven’t been any progressive conversations. I love Mike, and Mike and I have kept in contact over the years. I’ve had conversations with Omar. I think Omar really enjoyed having me there. I think the guys had a positive response to our time together. But again, there hasn’t been any deadline set for me. There hasn’t been any contract floated in front of me, like ‘Well, we’re giving you until, you know, March 8 to make a decision on this contract.’”
However, the Steelers can’t afford to wait on Rodgers. If he decides to retire later in the offseason, the Steelers will likely have to go with either Rudolph or Howard as their starter.
Rudolph is a reliable backup but has started just 19 games in six NFL seasons, and it seems unlikely he will turn into a QB1 at 30. Pittsburgh keeps talking up Howard, who led Ohio State to the national championship in 2024. However, he has yet to attempt a pass in an NFL game, either preseason or regular season.
So, the Steelers would likely look to free agency for a starter, someone like Joe Flacco, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, or Tyler Huntley.
The Steelers need to know Rodgers’ plans very soon. Whether he feels pressured or not.
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