The Pittsburgh Steelers have just completed the 2025 NFL Draft. They didn’t take Shedeur Sanders like many thought they would, despite having countless chances to do so. Ultimately, the Steelers stayed patient, addressed their glaring needs, and found some real value throughout the draft. In the sixth round, they selected quarterback Will Howard, adding a developmental prospect to the room without using premium draft capital. Pittsburgh stuck to their board and avoided making any emotional decisions.
Butch Dill / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft sixth-round selection and quarterback Will Howard prepares to throw a pass during the 2025 National Championship with Ohio State.
Now that the draft is over, the Steelers are still awaiting word from Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old quarterback seems likely to be their starter for the 2025 season, but he has yet to officially announce his plans. The organization has been operating under the assumption that Rodgers will be its guy, but with Organized Team Activities approaching, they would like a definitive answer sooner rather than later. If Rodgers chooses to retire or walk away, the Steelers will be forced to pivot quickly.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport joined The Pat McAfee Show on Monday to detail the latest he has heard regarding Rodgers and Pittsburgh. According to Rapoport, all signs continue to point toward Rodgers playing in 2025, though he is taking his time before making anything official.
"'We are confident that Rodgers is coming' I believe is how they phrased it," Rapoport said. "They think Rodgers is coming. I think Rodgers is going to be a member of the Steelers organization. Everyone in the world, I think, thinks that."
The Steelers are reportedly content to wait a little longer, believing that Rodgers' presence would keep them firmly in the AFC playoff hunt. Still, the longer the uncertainty drags on, the more pressure builds behind the scenes.
Team President Art Rooney II has expressed multiple times that he’s confident Rodgers will soon announce his decision to join the Steelers for the 2025 season. If Rodgers does come, it would dramatically shift the Steelers' outlook.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph throws the football during an away game in Baltimore.
As it stands, Mason Rudolph is currently in line to start, but that would obviously change if Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh. At 41 years old, Rodgers would likely serve as a one-year bridge quarterback as the Steelers continue their search for the future face of the franchise.
Despite being a sixth-round pick, Howard offers more upside than most players taken that late. He led Ohio State to a historic National Championship run, and what truly drew the Steelers to him was how he elevated his play on the biggest stages. Howard will have an opportunity to make some noise in the quarterback competition, but he’s certainly not viewed as an immediate starter.
Rodgers would add an intriguing wrinkle to the Steelers' quarterback room. With a rookie in Howard, a veteran familiar with the system in Rudolph, and the potential arrival of Rodgers — whenever that may be — the situation remains both mysterious and fascinating. Steelers fans will continue to wait anxiously for Rodgers' decision. For now, there is still a strong sense of confidence within the organization that Rodgers will soon make it known he intends to play for Pittsburgh in 2025.
Steelers Become Legit With Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers have built their roster in a way that almost makes it feel like they have a secret handshake agreement already in place with Rodgers. They have operated all offseason as if he will be their quarterback for 2025. If that’s true, it instantly elevates the Steelers into legitimate Super Bowl contenders with Rodgers under center.
Jeff Hanisch / USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers stands with Mike Tomlin before a game while he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Despite being 41 years old, Rodgers showed noticeable improvement as the 2024 season progressed. After returning from a devastating Achilles injury suffered in 2023, it took him some time to get back up to speed, but he finished strong.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin believes he can win a Super Bowl with Rodgers, even at this stage of his career. With key offseason additions — including star wide receiver DK Metcalf — the Steelers are well-positioned for success if and when Rodgers finally makes his intentions official.
#SteelerNation
