The Pittsburgh Steelers have been on the precipice of signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers for about two months now. The two sides have been linked since the first week of free agency, and all signs point to the four-time league MVP eventually winding up in the black and gold. He took a visit with the organization that went well, and he was also seen throwing with newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf during a workout at UCLA. It seems like the quarterback will be with Pittsburgh eventually, but the timeline on the matter is a bit murky.
New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers practices with the New York Jets ahead of the 2024 season.
There are many differing opinions when it comes to Rodgers suiting up for the Steelers for the 2025 season. Some fans want the organization to just tank, while others believe Rodgers gives Pittsburgh its best chance of being competitive. One former defensive back for the Steelers, Steven Nelson, made his opinion very clear during a post on his recent Instagram story.
Steven Nelson really don’t give af 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ffoV6HeJjc
— NFL(ptt) (@neuutraall) May 22, 2025
Nelson called the quarterback washed and suggested he does not care about the Steelers, while also asking the Steelers to give the money to someone else. Nelson is now retired, although he spent some time with the Kansas City Chiefs on the practice squad in 2024. He was only on the Steelers for two seasons in 2019 and 2020, so it is a bit odd he has such passionate opinions on the matter.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson walks on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field during a practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
He did give Rodgers his flowers by calling him a Hall of Famer, but it is clear that the former cornerback believes the veteran's playing career should be over. Many people believe that as well, especially since Rodgers suffered a gruesome Achilles injury at the start of the 2023 season. However, the quarterback returned in 2024 and he got better as the season went on, proving he still has more in the tank.
Nelson suggested the Steelers give the money they would give to Rodgers to someone else, but there aren't many options that are available. Kirk Cousins is a potential trade candidate from the Atlanta Falcons, but Pittsburgh would probably be against giving up draft assets to acquire him. In free agency, the top names that are available aside from Rodgers are players like Carson Wentz or Tyler Huntley. Neither player would likely start over Mason Rudolph for Pittsburgh, so the organization is essentially out of reasonable options.
Rodgers will more than likely be a Steeler for the 2025 season, but it will probably only be a one-year affair. Pittsburgh can look towards finding a franchise quarterback for the future after the season, or turn to rookie quarterback Will Howard at some point if things are not going well for the Steelers.
Steelers Signing Aaron Rodgers Could Be Good For Will Howard
If Rodgers signed in Pittsburgh there is no question that he would be the starting quarterback for the Steelers. However, the team should make Howard the primary backup over Rudolph. This way, Howard sees more snaps in practice, and has an actual chance of getting on the field in a game. Howard could be able to learn from Rodgers, who has shown his desire to be a mentor in the past.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Will Howard looks to pass during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Rodgers had a clear desire to be a mentor to Zach Wilson when the two were together on the New York Jets, and that was on display when the team was featured on Hard Knocks going into the 2023 season. That plan was foiled after Rodgers got hurt and Wilson was forced to start, but Rodgers will be able to return to being a mentor with Howard looking to learn from him. Nelson might not like the potential acquisition of Rodgers, but he could serve more than one purpose in Pittsburgh.
What do you think Nelson's comments? Let us know in the comments below!
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