The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a tumultuous 2025 offseason. Some staples on the offensive side of the ball left the team in free agency, and the organization still does not have a reliable starting option at quarterback. There has been some excitement around the franchise thanks to the addition of guys like DK Metcalf and Darius Slay, but there are some sizable holes at some important positions. These can be patched up through the 2025 NFL Draft as the Steelers continue to try and land Aaron Rodgers through free agency.
AP photo
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a round of golf.
Pittsburgh has been showing interest in the four-time league MVP since the first week of free agency. The veteran is taking his time making his decision, but the only current options seem to be signing with the Steelers or retiring from football. A reported offer has been extended to Rodgers for weeks, and the franchise is allowing him to take his time.
One minor inconvenience for Rodgers has come up as the NFL has officially banned his helmet of choice. If he chooses to play in 2025, he is going to need to pick a new helmet, but this could be a driving force towards retirement.
If Aaron Rodgers plays in 2025, he'll need to select a new helmet model. The Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD — the model he has worn for years — is now officially prohibited by the NFL. pic.twitter.com/euv01YoJfH
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) April 11, 2025
The NFL is always doing research on player safety, especially when it comes to helmets and protecting the heads of players. Every season, a handful of helmets are banned and Rodgers' preferred helmet, the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, is now officially prohibited. The quarterback is going to have to pick a helmet from the approved list that the NFL provides if he wants to continue his career.
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Former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers throwing a ball in pre-game warmups before an away game.
Helmets have been banned before in the past, and Pittsburgh fans may remember Antonio Brown being an issue after he was traded to the then-Oakland Raiders and his preferred helmet was banned by the league. Brown refused to change helmets, and it was a big reason he wound up being released before the regular season even began. He wanted to wear his old helmet that was banned and threatened to retire if he wouldn't be able to. He then found a replacement, but that model was also not approved by the league. The saga was drawn out for a month and it kept him out of many practices.
This likely wouldn't happen with Rodgers, but this type of minor inconvenience might make the quarterback reconsider continuing to play. He has been outspoken in the past about the league and how it is run, and it taking his helmet away could push him towards hanging it up.
Steelers Should Feel Safe About Landing Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers still appear to be the only suitor for the quarterback, but there is some speculation that he is waiting out for the Minnesota Vikings or another job to open up. However, if he signs with Pittsburgh, the Steelers should be able to rely on him to be drama-free when it comes to his helmet being banned. He had to change helmets back in 2019, and he did it without issue. He understood his helmet was considered unsafe, but he did get to continue wearing it for a season while finding a new one he liked.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
Rodgers' future is still up in the air, but it is unclear when a decision will be made. The draft is just over a week away, and the entire fan base should be hoping for a decision to be made by then.
What do you think about Rodgers' helmet being banned by the league? Let us know in the comments below!
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