The Pittsburgh Steelers got through the first week of the new league year only to not land a legitimate starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Mason Rudolph coming back to town will give the franchise a little bit of breathing room, but the organization seems to have put all of its chips in one basket. Aaron Rodgers has two teams on hold as both the Steelers and New York Giants have absolutely no clue what the veteran will decide to do regarding a decision about his future. The Minnesota Vikings also need to be paid attention to, as Rodgers possibly could follow Brett Favre's end-of-career path.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
There have been numerous reports out there about Rodgers' desire to play for the Vikings. When looking at the current state of the three franchises in the mix, Minnesota is probably in the best position to help the future Hall of Famer secure another Super Bowl before his retirement. The quarterback has earned a reputation over the years for being an enigma, and this situation is no different.
The biggest problem for the Vikings is that second-year signal-caller JJ McCarthy was expected to take over as the team's starter following Sam Darnold's departure. No one is quite sure if the organization is open to letting the young player sit behind Rodgers for a year or two. It's even been said that Rodgers wants the Vikings, but the Vikings don't want him.
The Athletic provided an update on Saturday and something certainly stood out. Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis all contributed to a piece that suggested if Minnesota is out, Rodgers could simply walk away from the game.
"Rodgers has been targeted by the Steelers and Giants but has essentially put both teams on hold while he waits for clarity regarding the Vikings’ situation," the trio write. "If Minnesota ceases to be an option, it’s also possible that Rodgers will turn down both the Steelers (a 2024 playoff team) and Giants and instead opt for retirement."
Rodgers could be using negotiations with the Steelers and Giants as part of a strategic plan to land an offer from Minnesota. If the Vikings decide that McCarthy is their guy in 2025 and beyond, the veteran signal-caller could elect to hang up his cleats. This would certainly frustrate a Steelers fan base that is desperate for some consistent quarterback play.
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Former Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson (left) and Justin Fields (right) on the field warming up before a work out during offseason activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The entire NFL world is awaiting Rodgers' decision, but there is no clear timetable as to when he will pick a new team, or retire. The Steelers won't have many options elsewhere, but Russell Wilson also remains a free agent. He could be waiting to see what Rodgers ends up doing and if Pittsburgh is not the choice of the former Green Bay Packers' and New York Jets' quarterback, Wilson could find himself back in the Steel City.
Overall, it's been frustrating for Steelers fans to go through this decision-making process, especially because Rodgers is not what he once was. If he decides that the Vikings are the be-all and end-all, then Pittsburgh could be left with either Wilson, Rudolph, or a rookie starting. It's a rather simple decision for Rodgers if it's between the Steelers and Giants, but both franchises could be out of the running without even knowing it. It could be Minnesota or retirement for Rodgers.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands in front of the media during his introductory press conference in May of 2023 after being traded to the organization.
Steelers Stuck In Holding Pattern As Rodgers Takes His Time
It can't be encouraging for Pittsburgh's front office that a decision has yet to be made. Unfortunately, this is the situation that the organization has put itself in. Teams need a consistent quarterback in the modern NFL to win, and the Steelers haven't had that since the end of the 2021 campaign. Now, it appears as if Rodgers could have already decided that he would rather retire than put on a Steelers or Giants helmet in 2025.
Would you be upset if Rodgers retired instead of playing in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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