The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the more interesting teams throughout the NFL. The organization has a top-tier overall roster that includes the league's highest paid defense, but the quarterback position is still a large question mark. The position has been up in the air ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, but the 2025 offseason is even more concerning as there is no surefire starter on the roster. If the regular season began today, Mason Rudolph would be expected to go 17 games, but the team is still waiting on a decision from free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland during the 2024 season.
Quarterback is the most important position in all of sports, and it is nearly impossible to compete in the NFL without a reliable player at the position. It is the hottest topic in Pittsburgh, as the fan base is fairly split on the potential addition of Rodgers, who had a rough two years with the New York Jets, mainly due to injury.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin was at the NFL Owner Meetings on Sunday, and he spoke to the media. The coach was peppered with questions about Rodgers and the overall state of the quarterback position, and he made sure to point out that the franchise is doing its due diligence.
Mike Tomlin has no definitive update or timeline on Aaron Rodgers.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 30, 2025
He says they’re still evaluating potential acquisitions at the position and doing their due diligence.
He says they had a “really good day” with Rodgers on his visit to Pittsburgh, got to know him better.
Rodgers visited the Steelers facility during free agency and had an extensive stay while he met with Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff. It was reported that the meeting was not about anything contractual, and it was solely focused on the two sides getting to know one another. Rodgers seemed like the front runner to be the next starting quarterback in Pittsburgh, but Tomlin left the door open when it comes to acquiring someone else.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on before a home game.
The most likely route of Pittsburgh acquiring a different quarterback is free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. A trade is a possibility, but extremely unlikely. The free agent crop of quarterbacks has dried up, which makes the draft the most likely option. A prospect like Jaxson Dart could be in play in the first round, and there is also the chance Shedeur Sanders begins to slide down the draft board. A prospect like Tyler Shough could also make sense on Day 2 of the event.
What's Plan B if Rodgers falls through?
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 30, 2025
Tomlin: "I don't know if we are identifying anything as Plan A, Plan B or Plan C. We're just simply looking at the field of available people, whether it's free agency or the draft and making decisions & gathering information accordingly."
Although Tomlin won't say it, it sure seems like Rodgers is the priority in Pittsburgh. However, the franchise would be doing itself a disservice if it did not properly evaluate all options. If there is a chance to make a splash in the draft, the organization has to take it. There is no timetable on Rodgers eventually inking his deal in Pittsburgh, and if a decision isn't made prior to the draft, the Steelers very well could be using a premium pick on the position.
Getty Images
Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe during a college game in 2024.
Steelers Have Spent Extensive Time Scouting Quarterbacks In The 2025 Draft Class
Pittsburgh has already had a pre-draft visit with Shough, and the organization sent representatives to Dart's Pro Day to see him in action. The Ole Miss product is also reported to have a visit scheduled with the Steelers. There has also been reported interest in Jalen Milroe, who is an intriguing but raw prospect. Milroe could be on the board when the Steelers are picking in the third round, and his potential is limitless due to his ability to throw the deep ball and his athleticism.
What do you think Pittsburgh's backup plan is at quarterback? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
