Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Thinks Aaron Rodgers May Have A Secret Agenda Delaying Deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers are just a few weeks away from making some very impactful decisions during the 2025 NFL Draft. It is going to be extremely hard to predict what the organization will do until a starting quarterback is signed -- which is something the franchise is waiting for Aaron Rodgers on as he continues to take his time making his decision about his future. The veteran reportedly still has retirement on his mind, although his recent actions, such as working out with new Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf, seem to hint that the four-time league MVP is set on signing with the Steelers.

Although every sign is pointing to Rodgers eventually signing on to be the starting quarterback in the Steel City, it is still a bit mysterious that the decision has not been finalized yet. Pittsburgh is the only landing spot for him in the league if he plans on being a starter, and both parties need the other. 

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spoke about the Rodgers situation on the most recent episode of his podcast Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger, and he shared what he thinks might be holding the deal up.

"Now everyone knows that Pittsburgh wants Aaron, but I think Aaron secretly, again, just my opinion, I think Aaron is secretly still holding out for Minnesota," Roethlisberger said. "Which is why he hasn't signed with the Steelers. Why else would you go throw with DK and blast it to everybody that he's throwing with these guys? But you won't sign?"

It has been reported that Rodgers wanted to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, and for a little while, it seemed like that could be a reality. Sam Darnold made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and led the Vikings to 14 wins, but he chose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. The Vikings also have JJ McCarthy, who the team drafted in the first-round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, which is why there was some speculation about him not being ready to be the starter in 2025. He was not able to practice much, if at all, throughout his rookie season. He is going to be a raw player to start the 2025 campaign, which is why Rodgers seemed like he could be a possibility. He only likely has one or two years left in him, and he could elevate that roster while teaching McCarthy a thing or two.

Minnesota seems set on moving forward with their second-year player, which leaves the Steelers as Rodgers' only realistic option. Roethlisberger believes he could be buying time to see if the Vikings change their mind, which is certainly a possibility as the entire drawn out process has been bizarre. Pittsburgh has said it is comfortable waiting for a decision, which means the organization is fairly confident that the Vikings are not going to have a change of heart when it comes to McCarthy.

Steelers Will Need A Decision From Aaron Rodgers Sometime In The Near Future

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Steelers should be hoping to get a deal done with Rodgers very soon. If he decides to retire, or another team swoops in and beats out the Steelers, Pittsburgh may need to act urgently when it comes to drafting a quarterback. It is not out of the question that the organization will draft a quarterback whether Rodgers signs or not, but his decision could impact at which stage of the draft the franchise wants to use a pick on the position.

There is no exact timeline as to when a decision can be expected from Rodgers, but the organization should begin to pressure him to get a decison before the draft kicks off. 

What do you think of Roethlisberger's theory? Let us know in the comments below!

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