The Pittsburgh Steelers could be made out to look like fools if Aaron Rodgers decides against signing with the organization this offseason. Whether that is due to retirement, or another opportunity arising, the franchise has put all of its chips in one 41-year-old basket. The 2025 NFL Draft could provide some hope at the position, but having a future Hall of Famer and four-time MVP run the offense for a year is an attractive prospect, regardless of the potential off-the-field noise that could come with it. The team and its fan base are still waiting for an official decision.
Jed Jacobsohn / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the field after the San Francisco 49ers game in Santa Clara, California, Sept. 9, 2024.
Many have speculated as to why the veteran has yet to sign with the Steelers, especially because it seems as if Pittsburgh is currently his only option. Many originally believed that Rodgers was attempting to complete the Brett Favre cycle and head to the Minnesota Vikings, even though the organization drafted JJ McCarthy back in 2024's first round.
There have been reports pretty much each day regarding Rodgers' situation, so it is hard to know which ones are accurate and which could be merely speculation. CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on Wednesday however, and brought up Minnesota again. The Vikings have a clear plan and formidable roster, which Rodgers may believe the Steelers do not possess.
"The Vikings were so appealing because in his mind, and in many people's minds, that's a team that's ready to make a run at the Super Bowl," Kinkhabwala said. "It is a completely professional outfit that just got significantly better on both sides of the line, that is playing outstanding defense, that has a lot of superstar power, and that already has a really strong leadership base in that locker room."
Kinkhabwala continued discussing Pittsburgh versus Minnesota and hinted at the fact that the Vikings are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. After citing that she has had several conversations with people around the league, the veteran quarterback may seriously be contemplating retirement because his only current other option is playing in the Steel City.
"That's a team [the Vikings] that Aaron Rodgers could slide into and, in theory, take them to the Super Bowl," Kinkhabwala explained. "Let me say it this way, Aaron Rodgers is more likely to retire than he is to come to a team that he doesn't believe is a Super Bowl contender."
It's hard to imagine the Steelers sitting back and relaxing if Rodgers expressed hesitation, but that's why the 2025 NFL Draft will provide fans with a much clearer picture. If an aggressive move is made early for a quarterback, it's very possible that the hope the front office had for landing Rodgers has diminished.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin smiles as General Manager Omar Khan looks on during a team workout at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
It is extremely odd that Rodgers has not put pen to paper yet. He might be waiting for the Steelers to address the offense even more so he is comfortable with the idea of a Super Bowl run being on the table. It's also possible that the signal-caller is holding out hope that the Vikings have a change of heart. Either way, it hasn't been a good look for Pittsburgh, unless the brass knows something that no one else does.
Kinkhabwala's comments are telling and if Rodgers does decide to retire, it can pretty much be understood that he simply didn't see the Steelers as a legitimate threat. This would look even worse if an unquestioned threat throughout the NFL had an unfortunate quarterback injury and Rodgers quickly jumped out of retirement and into action.
Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin embraces with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
Steelers Will Enter Another Season With More Questions Than Answers If Rodgers Bails
Mason Rudolph is a respectable backup quarterback at the professional level, but he is no long-term solution. While Rodgers wouldn't be either, he's a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion. That would be good enough to potentially make a run in 2025, but the problem is the team needs the veteran to sign a contract. If he doesn't think his services will be the final piece to the puzzle, he could absolutely walk away from the game and keep his phone line open.
Are you starting to get concerned with the Steelers' pursuit of Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
