ESPN: Steelers Fans Get Clear Timeline For When Aaron Rodgers Will Make His Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of few teams who still do not know who their starting quarterback will be for the 2025 season. The current starter would be Mason Rudolph, although he should be considered more of a plug-and-play backup, rather than a starting quarterback. Rudolph caught lightning in a bottle with Pittsburgh at the end of the 2023 season, but it is hard to imagine the veteran would be able to have a successful 17-game season. The Steelers seem to have their attention turned to Aaron Rodgers, although the veteran is in no rush to make a decision.

The Steelers struck out when trying to re-sign Justin Fields, and the organization saw no luck once again in trying to bring in Sam Darnold. Russell Wilson hasn't seemed to be an option the franchise has focused on at all, as he is still available, but Pittsburgh seemingly would rather wait out for Rodgers. A large portion of the fan base in Pittsburgh has grown frustrated waiting for a decision from Rodgers, but the NFL world shouldn't have to wait too much longer for the veteran to announce his plans for the 2025 season. ESPN Analyst Jeremy Fowler expects the quarterback to make a decision prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, which he said on SportsCenter Thursday morning.

"I still think pre-draft," Fowler said. "This will get wrapped up."

Pittsburgh probably wouldn't wait for a decision from Rodgers past the 2025 NFL Draft. The organization will need an answer prior to then so it can decide how to draft. The Steelers could make a move for a quarterback like Jaxson Dart if Rodgers decides to go elsewhere, or Pittsburgh can look for a quarterback in the later rounds.

Rodgers doesn't have many options. He reportedly wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings, but the Vikings seem content in starting second-year player JJ McCarthy. The organization invested a first-round pick in the quarterback in 2024, so it would make sense for it to want to see what he can do in 2025.

Rodgers seems to only have two options when it comes to playing in the NFL in 2025, and that is Pittsburgh and the New York Giants. Retirement is also an option that could be on the table, but the Steelers seem like the best landing spot for the quarterback if he wants to continue his career. 

Rodgers has had a spectacular time in the NFL, and the quarterback will likely want to end it on a good note. His time with the New York Jets was an absolute failure, which should drive him towards joining a consistently successful organization like the Steelers. Pittsburgh has some great weapons on the offensive side of the ball, and the franchise gives Rodgers his best shot at finding any kind of postseason success.

Steelers Could Be Forced To Move On From Aaron Rodgers

If, for some reason, Rodgers has not made up his mind by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around, Pittsburgh will need to withdraw its offer to the quarterback. The organization is far too respected to allow a player who has never worn the black and gold to dictate nearly an entire offseason. Pittsburgh will need to turn its attention elsewhere if Rodgers can't come to a clear and concise decision within the month.

Rodgers might not be in love with any of his options currently, which may be why he is taking so long. It is not rare for veteran quarterbacks to wait until they are needed before signing somewhere, as seen with Joe Flacco in 2023 when he joined the Cleveland Browns. This could be an option for Rodgers, allowing him to skip all offseason workouts and likely all of training camp.

When do you expect a decision from Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!

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