Kimes: Steelers Backed Into A Corner With Current QB Dilemma: "They Really Aren't Operating From Any Position Of Strength"

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves between a rock and a hard place. A few weeks from the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers are still waiting for a decision from Aaron Rodgers. It has been a week since the Steelers met with him in Pittsburgh, but there has not been any movement towards a deal being done. Rodgers seems to be weighing his decisions before committing to an organization, which is understandable for a guy who turns 42 years old during the 2025 NFL season. Maybe Rodgers is waiting to see if the Minnesota Vikings come back into the picture. 

The patience of the Steelers may backfire on them if Rodgers decides not to play for the organization. First, they were unable to re-sign Justin Fields, who decided to leave Pittsburgh after one season to sign with the New York Jets. The Steelers then missed on the opportunity to sign Sam Darnold, who instead chose the Seattle Seahawks over Pittsburgh because they were more willing to commit long-term. Before Darnold's signing, the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, another potential missed opportunity for the Steelers. 

The New York Giants then signed both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, leaving the remaining quarterback free agency market slim. Many believed Wilson was the backup plan for the Steelers if Rodgers did not sign. Now, the Steelers may not have a backup plan. Rodgers' waiting game may have put the Steelers in a position they did not expect to be in. He became the Steelers' priority following Fields' decision to leave Pittsburgh. Since then, the Steelers have been waiting for Rodgers to make up his mind. Throughout this free agency period, Rodgers has been the Steelers' number one option, but they have not been his. 

If Minnesota was not committed to JJ McCarthy, Rodgers would more than likely be a Viking. NFL Live analyst Mina Kimes is having a hard time understanding the Steelers' decision-making process. 

"I don't really understand their decision-making process in all of this. They're backed into a corner with Aaron Rodgers," said Kimes. "They really aren't operating from any position of strength in terms of their options. Why were they not on the phone with the Seahawks about Geno Smith if all it took was a third-rounder? Why weren't they talking to Sam Darnold, who really signed quite an affordable contract in Seattle? It's odd to me that they're at this point." 

The Steelers are in this situation because of their decision-making, not Rodgers. The Steelers locked in on Rodgers as their main option, even when Rodgers was focusing on Minnesota. At any point, the Steelers could have shifted their focus to any other available quarterback. It was even reported that Pittsburgh did in fact do their due diligence with Darnold, despite Kimes' assertion.

Now, they are in a position where their only viable options are Rodgers, reaching out to the Atlanta Falcons about Kirk Cousins, or drafting a quarterback early. While waiting for Rodgers, the quarterback market has dwindled, and the Steelers may be left sitting on their hands. 

Steelers May Lose Rodgers To Retirement 

One of the reasons Rodgers is taking his time to agree to a deal with the Steelers is that he may decide to retire. This is another reason why the Steelers' decision to make Rodgers the priority is confusing. Rodgers is 41 years old and does not have many years of football left, if any. ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter speculates if Rodgers still wants to play football at all.

Rodgers is in sole control of his career, whether he decides to continue to play or retire. At this point, the Steelers might as well wait out the Rodgers decision. All their other top options are no longer available, and if Rodgers decides to walk away from the game, then at least the Steelers still have the draft. 

Do you agree with Kimes about the Steelers' decision-making process with their current quarterback room? Comment below!

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