The Pittsburgh Steelers still aren’t 100% certain what the plan is at quarterback for the 2025 season. This has been a major storyline, and it's now become a growing concern within the fan base. As of now, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson, likely in that order on the depth chart. If the season started today, Rudolph would be the heavy favorite to take the first snap under center.
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Steelers' Mason Rudolph hypes up the crowd during a home game in Pittsburgh.
Of course, everything could change dramatically if Aaron Rodgers decides he’s coming to Pittsburgh. There has been consistent speculation that the future Hall of Famer may want one final run with a historic franchise, and many believe the Steelers are firmly on his radar. At the same time, Rodgers has been noncommittal about his future, and even those close to the situation admit he is unpredictable.
Fueling the speculation even more, Chris Mueller of 93.7 The Fan said on Monday that he expects a massive announcement to drop on Tuesday. He believes it is going to involve Rodgers. While nothing has been confirmed, the rumor has fans on high alert and social media buzzing. If true, it would instantly reshape the Steelers' outlook for 2025 and spark major conversation across the NFL.
"The Steelers are making a big announcement tomorrow," Mueller said. "And I believe it's that they're signing Aaron Rodgers."
Steeler Nation has been waiting for months for Rodgers to announce his decision. Early on, many believed Pittsburgh would bring back one of its 2024 quarterbacks, either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. However, the Steelers let both walk in free agency, making it clear they did not see a future with either player beyond last season.
Now, it appears the Steelers are fully committed to Rodgers. Reports indicate they have been pursuing him throughout the offseason, and Mike Tomlin is said to truly believe he can win a Super Bowl with Rodgers under center. That is a bold claim, but it may carry weight. Tomlin has not had a reliable quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and the team has failed to make a meaningful playoff run without one.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
The numbers speak for themselves. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and the frustration within the fan base continues to grow. If Rodgers does come to Pittsburgh, he could finally give the franchise the spark it has been missing.
With no clear long-term solution at quarterback, the Steelers believe Rodgers gives them the best chance to compete in 2025. It appears there may already be a handshake agreement in place, but whether it actually becomes official remains to be seen. As for Tomlin’s bold belief in Rodgers, there may be more reason behind it than some think. The Steelers have built a veteran defense that has received heavy investment, and with added depth across the roster, that unit is expected to be significantly improved.
The offensive line is young, but showed real promise in 2024 and is expected to take another step forward in 2025. On offense, the Steelers added some exciting rookies and made a major splash by acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf. Trading away George Pickens certainly stings, but the hope is that Rodgers and Metcalf can form a dangerous connection that keeps the passing game explosive.
Steelers Believe They Can Win Super Bowl With Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers, now 41 years old, remains the biggest question mark. No one truly knows how much he has left in the tank, especially after a disappointing 2024 season in New York where he won just five games. Still, the Steelers believe the potential reward outweighs the risk. In their eyes, Rodgers may be the missing piece that can finally push them back into serious contention.
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Former Green Bay Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
The four-time MVP may be battling Father Time, but that doesn’t mean the Steelers have given up on the idea of one final playoff push with Rodgers. As the 2024 season progressed, Rodgers showed signs of improvement, slowly regaining form after his devastating injury. With even more time to recover, there is hope that he can get closer to the level of play that once made him one of the most feared quarterbacks in the league.
The Steelers are not expecting Rodgers to return to his prime, but they do believe he can still provide stability and leadership under center. If he can deliver a season of efficient, above-average game management, that might be all Pittsburgh needs with the talent they’ve built around him.
In a conference full of young star quarterbacks, the Steelers are going against the grain by betting on experience. It is a calculated risk, but one they hope will pay off with meaningful football in January.
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