The Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping the fan base on edge as the likely starting quarterback for the 2025 season is still not signed to a contract. The organization is waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers after a failed attempt to re-sign Justin Fields. While awaiting a decision from the veteran, the franchise decided to bring back Mason Rudolph as the assumed backup on the roster. The Steelers should be the favorite to land Rodgers, but there are other franchises threatening to sign the future Hall Of Famer.
AP Photo / Frank Franklin II
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
Rodgers gives Pittsburgh the best chance of winning during the 2025 season, as the quarterback finished the 2024 campaign on a high note, although his time with the New York Jets should be considered a failure. For most of the first week of free agency, the word was that Rodgers was deciding between Pittsburgh and the New York Giants, but the Minnesota Vikings have become a serious threat to sign the veteran.
NFL insider Dianna Russini took to X on Friday, and her insight made it seem like Rodgers wants to end up in Minnesota.
"Here's what you need to know." Russini wrote. "The Vikings are having discussions about what they want to do at quarterback and if they want Rodgers. Rodgers is giving them time and waiting to hear from Minnesota. The Vikings have yet to make a decision. We all wait."
It was believed for a long time that the Steelers and the Giants were the only teams bidding to land Rodgers, but now the Vikings seem to be a serious threat. The way Rodgers is believed to be waiting to hear back from Minnesota makes it seem like the Vikings is somewhere he would want to play, which may make them the favorites to land Rodgers over the Steelers.
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Aaron Rodgers stands with Mike Tomlin before a game while he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Minnesota is an attractive place to play quarterback. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison make up one of the best wide receiving duos in the NFL, and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell is considered an offensive guru. He revived Sam Darnold's career in 2024, and he can make magic happen no matter who is on the offense. The Vikings also showed they have a defense that can compete in the NFC, as the team won 14 games during the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh was an obvious favorite over New York, but Minnesota is threatening. The Vikings have a tough decision to make as they want to get their 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy on the field, but giving him a year to learn under Rodgers may be a smart move. Rodgers would probably only go to Minnesota if he is guaranteed to be a starter, as the veteran wouldn't want any competition from a second-year player who hasn't seen any regular season action.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
Steelers May Need To Look At The Draft If Organization Misses Out On Aaron Rodgers
If Rodgers decides to go to Minnesota, New York, or retire, the Steelers are going to be stuck with Rudolph as the top quarterback on the depth chart. He has filled in well for the team in the past, but should not be relied upon as the starter. The door seems to be closed on bringing back Russell Wilson as well, which means Pittsburgh may need to look at drafting a quarterback.
The quarterback class in 2025 is not strong, especially with the Steelers having the 21st overall pick. The Steelers could land Jaxson Dart or Shedeur Sanders at 21 if either quarterback slides, or the organization can wait on Tyler Shough or another option later on in the draft. The Pittsburgh fan base is desperate for higher-level play and consistency at the quarterback position, but that may take some time.
What do you think the Steelers should do if Rodgers goes to the Vikings? Let us know in the comments below!
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