The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with an increasingly frustrated fan base throughout the 2025 offseason. Most of the frustration has stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, while some has also come from the crushing end to the 2024 season. The team has been interested in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers since the first week of free agency, and he has been carefully making his decision ever since. Retirement is on the table for the quarterback, while so is a return to play.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard embrace before a game.
There was a time during the 2025 offseason where it certainly didn't seem like Rodgers was considering retirement. The quarterback visited the Steelers' facility in Pittsburgh for an extensive amount of time, and he was also seen throwing with star wide receiver DK Metcalf during a workout at UCLA. A player working out with a potential new teammate doesn't necessarily signal retirement, but rather the opposite. The quarterback went on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday and clarified the reasoning behind throwing with Metcalf, and his thoughts on the receiver.
"Again, I wanted to do due diligence with this whole process," Rodgers said. "Part of that is talking to a guy like DK, and let me just say this, what a great dude. What a great dude. He loves football, I mean what a specimen this guy is."
Rodgers spoke glowingly about Metcalf, and the two are potential teammates for the 2025 season. The quarterback has thrown to many great receivers throughout his career, and Metcalf could add to that list if Rodgers decides to sign in Pittsburgh.
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Former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers ahead of a game with New York in 2023.
The veteran seemed to like the idea of teaming up with Metcalf, but he clarified he was just doing his due diligence ahead of making a decision. The throwing session does not guarantee he will be playing for the Steelers, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. He spoke more about the wide receiver, and why it was important to get together to workout.
"I've had a few conversations with DK, and I just think he is a super guy," Rodgers said. "Part of the process with this whole thing is just seeing how my body responds, how I feel. You know, I'm 41-years old, take pretty darn good care of myself, but you know I wanted to see how it felt to throw with DK. How the juices felt. How the ball came out, all those little things. Also just get to know DK, like I said, that's a really good human being. I've enjoyed getting to know him a little bit and throwing to him. What a talented guy he is."
Rodgers had nothing but good things to say about Metcalf, and if he comes to Pittsburgh, he would be able to throw to him, as well as George Pickens. There are plenty of reasons for the four-time league MVP to sign with the Steelers. It is his only real landing spot, and the roster is good enough to compete in the AFC with some competent quarterback play. Rodgers could provide that, and possibly end his career on a high note.
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Former New York Jets Davante Adams (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) celebrate a victory.
Steelers Could Sign Aaron Rodgers For Cheap
There were a lot of eyes on Rodgers' interview Thursday, mainly because it is the first time he has spoken out during the 2025 offseason. He had a lot of things to clarify, one of which being his contract demands. Some believed the quarterback would be asking for well over $30 million to play during the 2025 season, but that is not the case. He shared that he would play football for $10 million, which should show fans that he is not holding the organization hostage in any way.
His cheap price tag allows the organization to make any other moves it would want to while waiting for a decision, which is probably why there has been no deadline for his decision.
What do you think about Rodgers' remarks on Metcalf? Let us know in the comments below!
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