The Pittsburgh Steelers have been at the center of media attention due to the uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback position. With a clear void, much of the discussions have been focused on the team's strong connection to veteran free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While many view the Steelers as the frontrunners to land Rodgers, no official decision has been made, leaving the situation unresolved. In the meantime, speculation continues to swirl, with fans, analysts, and insiders all weighing in on what the team should do next.
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Aaron Rodgers during a game overseas in the 2024 season with the New York Jets.
With no response yet from Rodgers, many have been left wondering if there’s an official deadline for his decision. Ray Fittipaldo, a Steelers insider from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan to talk all things Steelers. When asked one of the most pressing questions, when Rodgers will finally make a choice, Fittipaldo gave an answer that might disappoint some fans.
"I think they would be okay with it happening in early July," Fittipaldo shared.
Numerous rumored deadlines for Rodgers’ decision have come and gone without any official response, causing even more concern and speculation about the delay. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers mentioned dealing with personal issues that took priority, but that interview now feels like a distant memory. With offseason programs set to begin soon, the pressure for Rodgers to make a definitive decision is growing rapidly.
As fans grow increasingly anxious over the uncertainty in such an important aspect, the situation is also taking a significant toll on others involved. The Steelers’ front office has come under intense scrutiny, with many questioning their handling of the Rodgers situation. Some people argue that the team’s approach has been mismanaged, especially as nearly every other NFL team has already confirmed their starting quarterback. This prolonged delay is creating a ripple effect, putting additional pressure on the organization as a whole.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan answer questions from the Pittsburgh media.
Despite facing considerable criticism from a lot of different people, it seems that several players on the Steelers’ roster have publicly expressed their support for the potential acquisition of Rodgers. The quarterback position is widely regarded as one of the most crucial positions, not only because it directly influences what happens on the field during games, but also because of the significant leadership responsibilities that come with the position. A quarterback often sets the tone in the locker room and leads teammates through both big wins and devastating losses. Therefore, having a seasoned and highly skilled quarterback like Rodgers could bring stability, confidence, and experience that positively affects the overall dynamics and performance of the Steelers team.
It is clear, however, that Rodgers is not viewed as the Steelers’ long-term solution at quarterback. At 41 years old, he holds the statistic of being the oldest active player in the NFL. Rodgers appears to be aiming to finish his career on a high note, while the Steelers, on the other hand, are focused on developing or eventually finding their future franchise quarterback to lead the team for years to come.
Steelers Are Planning For The Future
The 2025 NFL Draft has now ended, and although the Steelers waited until the final day to make their move, they did select quarterback Will Howard. Given that Howard was chosen in the later rounds, it remains uncertain whether the Steelers view him as their future franchise quarterback. That said, it’s not out of the question, especially if Rodgers signs with the team this season, as Howard would have the valuable opportunity to learn and develop under the guidance of an experienced veteran mentor.
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Will Howard celebrates during the National Championship.
The Steelers have also been actively accumulating future draft picks, acquiring them through trades as well as positioning themselves to receive potential compensatory selections. Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL Draft class, especially the quarterback group, is already being talked about as stronger than this most recent class. The 2026 draft will also be held in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Steelers have a great opportunity to make a big move and possibly secure their long-term franchise quarterback then.
When do you think Rodgers will officially sign, if at all? Comment below!
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