The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in a saga with 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While the team has waited patiently for a deal to get done, nothing has materialized yet—causing widespread panic among the fan base. Rodgers has taken his time, and even though he recently worked out with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, that alone doesn’t guarantee he’ll suit up in black and gold for the 2025 season.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a home game with the team.
Pittsburgh appears to be growing tired of the waiting game. Team President Art Rooney II recently made it clear that the Steelers won’t wait forever, signaling a shift in tone from the front office. With no official deadline announced, fans have been left speculating when the team might finally draw the line.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo offered his insight on the situation during his latest chat with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, revealing what he believes to be the likely deadline Pittsburgh has set for Rodgers. While the exact date remains unknown, Fittipaldo's comments suggest that patience inside the building is quickly running out.
"I'm guessing the draft, but again, who knows? They've waited this long," Fittipaldo said. "What's the point of giving him a deadline now?"
The Steelers have waited quite a while for the Rodgers saga to play out, and the situation has grown increasingly exhausting. Many around the league—and especially in Pittsburgh—feel that Rodgers’ decision shouldn't be this time-consuming. Either he wants to play for the Steelers in 2025, or he doesn’t. The extended holdup has stirred real frustration across the city, with fans and insiders alike growing tired of the uncertainty.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields run on the field before a game.
From the start, the Steelers didn’t seem fully invested in Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks started games for Pittsburgh in 2024, but neither earned enough trust to be seen as a long-term answer. Fields, in particular, looked like a possible option, but the Steelers ultimately let him walk on a very affordable deal—one they easily could have matched.
That move spoke volumes. It signaled the team’s deep belief that Rodgers gives them a legitimate shot at Super Bowl contention in 2025. Pittsburgh appears to be all-in on the idea that if Rodgers suits up for them, they can make a serious run. Now, all that’s left is for Rodgers to make his decision—before the Steelers decide for him.
Steelers Are Comfortable Rolling With Mason Rudolph
The NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, and that’s precisely when Fittipaldo believes Pittsburgh has drawn the line for Rodgers to make his decision. If that’s the case, it’s possible Rodgers already has a handshake agreement in place, which could explain why the Steelers haven’t shown much public concern. Their offseason moves have consistently reflected the belief that Rodgers is their only real option—outside of Mason Rudolph.
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Ex-Steelers QB Mason Rudolph smiles during his early years in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh quietly brought Rudolph back after one season away from the team, and reports suggest they still have a level of trust in him. While he’s not the flashy choice, the Steelers clearly see him as a steady fallback plan. If Rodgers ultimately says no to Pittsburgh, it seems the Steelers are fully prepared to pivot and roll into the 2025 season with Rudolph at the helm, trusting his familiarity with the system and leadership within the locker room. But make no mistake, Rodgers remains the clear and unquestioned priority, and the clock is ticking louder with each passing day.
Rudolph is coming off a season where he saw extended playing time with a struggling Tennessee Titans team, making it difficult to fairly evaluate his performance in that environment. However, it’s worth remembering that just a year earlier in Pittsburgh, he stepped in late during the 2023 season and led the Steelers to three straight wins, helping secure a playoff berth. That strong finish showed he can deliver in key moments when called upon, and the Steelers haven’t forgotten it. Still, all eyes remain on the Rodgers situation.
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