Steelers Are Extremely Desperate For 1 Player That The NFL Has Absolutely No Interest In

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a great job in free agency this year on paper. They addressed nearly every need with quality players, without overpaying for anyone. They also did not settle for aging veterans that are well past their prime like they did in 2025. There are a few moves here and there that Pittsburgh arguably should not have made, but overall, it seems to be a successful free agency campaign for General Manager Omar Khan. Everything seems to be great, except for one low-hanging cloud that's raining on everyone's parade. 

While making a recent appearance on Pro Football Talk, insider Mike Florio went into detail on how desperate the Steelers are for Aaron Rodgers to pick them, and why that mindset makes no sense at all.

"There has not been a whisper of a team pursuing Aaron Rodgers, and he has been a free agent now for the second straight year," Florio said. "Meanwhile, the Steelers are that dog in the front window, nose pressed against the glass, waiting for the owner to come home, and they're going to be so happy when Aaron Rodgers gets there, and they're the only team that wants him."

Khan promised Steeler Nation that the Rodgers saga would not drag on like it did in 2025, when he signed right before mandatory minicamp in June. So far, it seems to be more of the same. Other teams have gotten their quarterback situations figured out while the Steelers' front office is still figuring out exactly who their starting quarterback is going to be for 2026.

At 42-years-old, the fact that no team has even the slightest interest in Rodgers should tell the Steelers all they need to know. Sure, he has the high football IQ, but he has regressed immensely. The odds of him returning to his MVP form are low, and there are legitimate questions on if he has what it takes to truly lead a team physically. He won't get signed to be a backup and an extra coach either.

Even the Arizona Cardinals don't see a need to sign Rodgers, despite the fact that they have journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett. The Minnesota Vikings, whom Rodgers is close with due to his friendship with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, opted to take on another reclamation project as opposed to letting Rodgers in the building to help mentor JJ McCarthy. Despite everyone else practically telling Pittsburgh how they feel about him, they are still relying on him to come back. On the other hand, perhaps no team is reaching out to Rodgers because they know that eventually, he'll return to the Steel City regardless.

Steelers Need To Look In The Mirror

There are a handful of players that are worth waiting for. In fact, that was arguably the case then it took forever for the New York Jets to acquire Rodgers via trade. However, waiting on a 42-year-old that was extremely inconsistent and most unwilling to let plays develop just does not make a ton of sense to a lot of people. It comes off as extremely desperate and unwise, and it could damage Khan's reputation in the long run. 

Rodgers' best trait at this stage of his career is his mentorship, which has been praised nonstop. That is great, but it does not directly translate to wins on the field, as shown by the fact that the Steelers had the same mediocre result as eight years before that. The whole situation makes the front office look delusional to many fans. Even if Rodgers does return, another year without a playoff win seems to be the most likely outcome unless more significant moves are made.

What do you think about the Steelers getting called out for waiting on Rodgers again? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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