The Pittsburgh Steelers still have no idea who their starting quarterback will be to begin the 2025 season. The options are not plentiful, but that's not preventing the team and Aaron Rodgers from taking their sweet times on a decision. Mason Rudolph is the only quarterback on the current roster that has any sort of ability to start, but there is still plenty of the room in the quarterback room. It doesn't help that Head Coach Mike Tomlin refused to give a "deadline" on the Rodgers decision, although there may have been a soft one established.
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Aaron Rodgers stands with Mike Tomlin before a game while he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Tomlin had a press conference during spring meetings and was asked about when the lack of a "clear answer" at the position becomes a problem for the team. He gave some clarity on the offseason process with his answer.
At what point does it hinder the team not to have a clear answer at QB?
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 30, 2025
"Training camp would kind of be a line of demarcation in terms of that discussion. The spring is about teaching and learning."
While the Steelers don't have an official deadline on when they want Rodgers on the team, training camp would likely affect the team's decision making. The closer they get to late July, the more likely that they opt to pass on the 41-year-old and sign another veteran option to compete.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on before a home game during the 2024 season.
The lack of stability in the quarterback room would likely result in the Steelers drafting someone, whether or not they sign another veteran. The middle rounds seem like the sweet spot, which means the incoming rookie most likely would not be the starter in Week 1 of 2025. Someone would have to be signed for Rudolph's spot on the depth chart to be threatened.
After about 100 questions about Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin was asked if Mason Rudolph could be the guy:
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 30, 2025
"I think that's why we reacquired him. We like Mason Rudolph, but you know, that's no secret."
As of now, Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only quarterbacks on the Steelers' roster, and the latter was signed to a futures contract as a guy that may be able to develop, but likely won't be anything more than a third-string option. The Steelers can't go into training camp with just those two and a mid-round rookie option.
Outside of Rodgers, Pittsburgh does have some options on the open market including Carson Wentz and Trey Lance, but there is not much out there that gets the front office excited. If July rolls around and Rodgers has not made a decision yet, the Steelers could start ignoring him and looking for one of those options to reinforce the room.
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Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz cheers on his teammates
Tomlin mentioned that spring is for learning, which means that they will see where they are at with the guys on the roster and focus less on who is available. Can Rudolph show the ability to recreate his magic from the end of the 2023 season? That will be the main thing that the coaches will look at when deciding what direction they want to go.
Steelers Should Beware Of The Brett Favre Situation
When Brett Favre was contemplating his options in free agency back in 2009, he retired before un-retiring in the middle of training camp to make his decision. While it did work out for him and the Minnesota Vikings, that is not a sustainable way to do business.
Rodgers and Favre may be two different people, but the 41-year-old has been following a very similar path as his mentor. He has been taking all kinds of time to make his decision, and there seems to be no end in sight. Maybe he waits until training camp as well, after the time where Tomlin would consider it a problem.
What do you think about Tomlin's mindset on the offseason? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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