The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently facing a significant void at the starting quarterback position, a spot that has dominated discussions and speculation throughout the NFL offseason. The primary focus of this intense speculation has centered on the potential acquisition of veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, whose name has been consistently linked to the Steelers as the most probable candidate to take the role. It has been widely reported that the Steelers organization has presented Rodgers with a contract offer, and the team now finds itself in a state of patient anticipation. However, for the Steelers' fan base, this prolonged period of uncertainty has felt like an eternity, continuing on seemingly without end.
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Potential Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers (8) during a game as a member of the New York Jets.
At 41 years of age, Rodgers is approaching the end of his career. Recent reports have indicated that the Steelers have presented Rodgers with an offer that only lasts a single year. These reports also indicate their intention to identify and develop their future franchise quarterback through the NFL Draft, in either the upcoming draft this year or the next. However, it appears that Rodgers, at this stage of his career, may be hesitant to join a team where a highly talented young prospect would be competing for attention and could be the guy to replace him later in Pittsburgh.
During a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show, Daniel Jeremiah, an NFL analyst, offered his perspective on the ongoing situation involving Rodgers and the Steelers. Jeremiah was asked if Rodgers might have reservations because they might also be developing a young quarterback, like what happened with Jordan Love for the Green Bay Packers. In response to this, Jeremiah provided the following insightful commentary.
"Yeah, I don't think that's happening," Jeremiah responded.
At the 26th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Packers made a significant investment in their future by choosing Love. This strategic move involved bringing in Love to learn and develop his skills while serving as the backup to their established starting quarterback, Rodgers. This period of mentorship and observation proved to be helpful for Love, providing him with time to get used to the professional level and strengthen his talents.
Sports Illustrated
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and potential Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers before a game
Following Rodgers' departure from Green Bay, Love was well-prepared and stepped into the role of the Packers' starting quarterback. Recognizing his potential and the team's belief in his skills, the Packers showed their long-term commitment to Love by signing him to a large contract extension. This deal has made Love among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the entire NFL, currently being the fourth-highest earner at the quarterback position.
Jeremiah concurs with the prevailing sentiment that Rodgers would seek clarity and have an understanding of the Steelers' long-term plans before committing to signing with the team. This desire for insight into the Steelers' future plans, particularly their intentions in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, could indeed be a significant contributing factor to the prolonged nature of Rodgers' decision-making process and the ongoing delay in his final commitment.
Rodgers' Decision Will Affect The Steelers' Draft Strategy
With the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the timeline for Rodgers' decision takes on even greater significance. A definitive answer from the four-time MVP, whether a yes or a no, will have a substantial influence on the Steelers' overall draft strategy. Should Rodgers choose to join the team, the Steelers' approach to the draft, particularly in the early rounds, might shift towards strengthening other positional needs to increase their chances of immediate success during Rodgers' potential tenure. Conversely, if Rodgers elects not to sign with Pittsburgh, the Steelers' front office would likely need to prioritize selecting a quarterback prospect who could serve as their future franchise cornerstone, therefore changing their draft strategy.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
The Steelers have been actively looking at a number of quarterback prospects who could potentially address their need at the position. This list of potential targets reportedly includes talents such as Jaxson Dart, the quarterback from Ole Miss University, the dynamic Jalen Milroe from the University of Alabama, Will Howard, who played at Ohio State University, and even the highly publicized Shedeur Sanders of the University of Colorado, should his draft stock cause him to fall to the Steelers' selection in the first-round. Currently holding the 21st overall pick in the draft order, the Steelers recognize that some of the most highly sought after quarterback prospects in this year's class may be beyond their reach unless the organization decides to utilize their draft capital to execute a trade and move up the draft board.
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