As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search for a starting quarterback for the upcoming season. While it seemed that Pittsburgh was willing to wait for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision, Rodgers has been dragging his feet, and the Steelers have been exploring other options. Former University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders met with the Steelers on Thursday for a pre-draft visit. Sanders is largely considered the number two quarterback in the draft and is widely projected to be taken in the first-round. If the Steelers need to make a decision between Sanders and Rodgers, it's unclear who they will choose at the moment.
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Shedeur Sanders (2) during his time with the Colorado Buffaloes.
On Friday, NFL analyst Mike Florio said on an episode of Pro Football Talk that if forced to choose, the Steelers should take a chance and draft Sanders sooner than signing Rodgers. Florio acknowledges that it could be a gamble, but that there is always a calculated risk involved with drafting players.
"I want to roll the dice on the younger guy and see what he can do, because I might just have the next guy," explained Florio. "The Steelers have had Terry Bradshaw, long pause, Ben Roethlisberger, and now they're hoping for a short pause. If it can be Shedeur Sanders next, so be it."
The Steelers have struggled to find a reliable starting quarterback since the departure of Ben Roethlisberger. Drafting a rookie signal-caller with a solid 10-15 years ahead of them would offer Pittsburgh a long-term solution to the quarterback-sized hole on the team's roster
The Steelers face a decision between a veteran at the end of his career and a college prospect whose professional career hasn't even started. Florio rejected the idea that Rodgers is the player he once was. Rodgers is 41 years old and will be 42 by the end of the 2025 season. Although he can still bring leadership and experience to a team, he's far from the asset he once was.
"I think it's better to take the chance than get caught up in the lore of what Aaron Rodgers, at 41, could do for you."
Rodgers has many of the highest accolades an NFL player can aspire to, such as league MVP and Super Bowl champion. But it's important that when looking back at Rodgers' accomplishments, it doesn't dilute the reality of today. Rodgers is past his prime, and the Steelers may need a quarterback of the future to make the most of their offensive talents and snap the playoff losing streak.
WTAE
Steelers' Mike Tomlin breaks out in a sweat while speaking about Aaron Rodgers.
Given the amount of time that Rodgers is taking to make up his mind, Florio questions whether or not it's even realistic that the Steelers will sign him anymore.
"The longer this takes, I start to wonder if this does happen at all. There is a point where it gets to be too awkward. And I don't know that Aaron Rodgers appreciates or understands this from the outside perspective. It's been three weeks now since he made his out-of-the-blue, six-hour visit to Pittsburgh. There's a point where it just feels like the moment has passed."
The Steelers have seemingly been willing to hold out for Rodgers, but as the wait has dragged on, Pittsburgh may have reached a tipping point. The Steelers likely won't wait until after the draft to get a response from the veteran quarterback. The draft should act as a hard deadline for Rodgers to give the Steelers a decision.
Steelers Could End Up With Both Rodgers And Sanders
It's possible both quarterbacks could land in Pittsburgh. In that event, Sanders is likely to be the backup, as it's hard to imagine Rodgers going anywhere that he isn't guaranteed a starting spot. Sanders himself isn't threatened by the prospect of starting behind Rodgers for his first season in the NFL, as he attested this week during an interview with Kay Adams.
Sporting News
Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders holds up his wrist in celebration after a big win.
Sanders had lots of good things to say about Pittsburgh after his visit. Rodgers' decision, or lack of one, could be the determining factor in whether the Steelers draft Sanders or not.
Do you think the Steelers should draft Sanders or sign Rodgers? Do you think Rodgers still has what it takes to lead a team to the Super Bowl? Let us know in the comments.
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