Steelers Have Seriously "Painted Themselves Into A Corner" As Aaron Rodgers Decision Looms

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stuck in a horrible position over the last few years ever since their long-time franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger entered retirement. The Steelers took swings on Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last year, but neither wound up back in Pittsburgh for 2025. Now, the only options on the table to be the team's starting quarterback this season are Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, or a rookie that they select in the upcoming draft. Rodgers has seemingly kept the franchise hostage as his long decision-making process looms over them before the draft. 

After acquiring DK Metcalf in a shocking trade with the Seattle Seahawks, the Steelers have shown signs of being aggressive for 2025. The Steelers have been stuck trying to get past the first round of the postseason for many years now, and the missing piece at quarterback goes a long way into that. Steelers fans, at this point, are over the drama surrounding Rodgers.

Some Steelers insiders believe that the team was given some sort of assurance by Rodgers after their meeting in Pittsburgh. Despite if that is true or not, the upcoming draft is going to be a huge night for the Steelers. If Rodgers doesn't make a decision by draft night, then the Steelers won't have any choice but to make a selection at quarterback. On Wednesday morning, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo was on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan and shared when he thinks Rodgers will announce his decision. 

"I know [Art Rooney II] said a little while longer," Fittipaldo said Wednesday on 93.7 The Fan. "It's probably going to be next week. They've waited this long, they've kind of painted themselves into a corner. If you're the Steelers, what are your options? Aaron Rodgers is still your best option. If not, you're gonna go with Mason Rudolph, and then probably have Skylar Thompson as your backup, and a rookie as your third, maybe working towards being your backup. It's not going to be an ideal situation if Aaron Rodgers isn't here. I think that's why they're willing to hold on and wait for an answer from him."

After clearing out the 2024 quarterback room entirely, just like the previous offseason, the Steelers currently only have Rudolph and Skylar Thompson under contract for 2025 at the quarterback position. Many fans remember Rudolph's great finish to the 2023 regular season, but not many are willing to go through a 2025 season with him as the starter. 

The Steelers, who decided to move on from Fields, now put themselves in a position where a 41-year-old quarterback is their best remaining option. The Steelers haven't had a good handling of the quarterback issue the last few years, and it could continue to look ugly until after the 2025 season. 

Steelers' First-Round Position Target Has Big Role 

If the Steelers go on to draft a defensive tackle with their 21st overall pick, arguably their biggest current need, then it will be critical that the Steelers land Rodgers. On the other hand, the Steelers could be looking to draft a quarterback early regardless of Rodgers' decision. Pittsburgh needs a young mind that they are able to develop and keep for a long time, which they weren't able to do with Kenny Pickett. If the Steelers truly want to get back to winning in the playoffs, then this quarterback saga needs to be put to rest with an answer. 

What do you think Rodgers' final decision will be? When will he announce it? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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