The Pittsburgh Steelers are still playing the waiting game when it comes to finding the team's starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The organization has an offer extended to Aaron Rodgers, but the veteran quarterback is weighing all of his options before making a final decision about the next step of his career. He is currently deciding between the Steelers and the New York Giants, while retirement is also an option. The Minnesota Vikings could present an opportunity to the veteran as well down the line, but nothing immediate is expected there.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts on his cap during an away game.
It remains unclear when Rodgers might make a decision on his future, but the Steelers are not going to wait forever. It should be considered reasonable to find out what the quarterback wants to do ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, which is still over a month away.
Insider Dianna Russini went on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday, and she shared some thoughts that made it seem like the Steelers are the only real option for the veteran quarterback currently.
"The Giants would probably love this opportunity," Russini said. "I think in their building, they know what’s happening here, they know that they are probably not the prom queen here in this situation."
New York wants to land Rodgers, but the Steelers have a much better roster and Pittsburgh has been a more consistent organization in recent years. Russini believes the Giants are well aware of that, but the offer is still extended to Rodgers. This means the Steelers are ahead in the running for Rodgers' services, and the Vikings still seem to content to roll forward with JJ McCarthy.
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Aaron Rodgers shows frustration during the 2024 season with the New York Jets.
Rodgers wants to be a Viking, but that might just not be a possibility. The Giants want Rodgers, but the organization has been making moves as if it knows it has no chance to land the four-time league MVP. New York has had Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Jameis Winston into the facility for visits since the start of free agency, and Russini shared that it is hoping to sign either Wilson or Flacco.
"Hoping that Russell Wilson or Joe Flacco decided to come to New York," Russini said. "I think that’s going to wind up being one of their backup plans. One or the other."
All three quarterbacks that visited New York left without a deal, but that is only because Rodgers is still out there. As soon as it is confirmed that Rodgers is not coming to New York, the Giants will likely be able to sign Flacco or Wilson, although either quarterback could also end up in Pittsburgh.
The best option for Pittsburgh at quarterback in 2025 is likely Rodgers. There is no world in which the organization should lose out on the veteran to New York, and Minnesota reportedly does not want him. Barring any major change, the quarterback is most likely to be a Steeler - or retired.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on before a home game in 2024.
Steelers Could Lose Out To Better Roster
There is no question that the Vikings have a better roster than the Steelers. The defense is less-expensive and consistently over-performs, while Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson might be the best trio of weapons in the league. It is completely understandable why Rodgers would want to play there, and if Minnesota changes its mind and wants McCarthy to spend another year on the bench, Rodgers will likely end up there. This is what Russini guessed would happen during her appearance on Thursday.
"I think Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Minnesota Viking," Russini guessed.
Russini was not stating this based off of any report or anything of substance, it was strictly a guess. The Vikings are confident in McCarthy, but he is coming off a serious knee injury. If the quarterback does not look good early on in the spring, the organization may make a call to Rodgers, which is exactly what he is waiting for.
What do you think about Russini's comments on the Rodgers situation? Let us know in the comments below!
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