Pittsburgh Steelers Consider Signing Aaron Rodgers Amid Quarterback Uncertainty and Super Bowl Goals

The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering signing free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, following his release from the New York Jets. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, is non-committal about his future, leaving the Steelers' quarterback situation uncertain. Pittsburgh's current roster lacks a clear starter, with Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson as options. The team is also exploring a trade for Kirk Cousins. Rodgers' recent injuries and performance, along with his unfamiliarity with the Steelers' system, add to the uncertainty. The Steelers face criticism for their quarterback strategy amid ongoing Super Bowl aspirations.

Rodgers’ Recent Performance and Contract Status

Aaron Rodgers, who turns 41 later this year, is coming off a disappointing two-year tenure with the New York Jets. After being traded from the Green Bay Packers in 2023, Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon just four plays into his debut. Though he returned to action late in the 2024 season and showed flashes of his former self, the Jets finished 5-12, leading to a complete overhaul of the front office and coaching staff. The new regime, led by GM Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, released Rodgers in early 2025, absorbing a $49 million dead cap hit spread over two years.

Rodgers is now a free agent for the first time in his career. While NFL Network reported that he has the parameters of a contract in place with the Steelers, Rodgers has yet to sign. He acknowledged on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he has spoken with the Steelers, Giants, and Vikings, but also admitted that retirement remains a possibility as he navigates personal matters. His lack of urgency in committing to a team has left Pittsburgh in a holding pattern.

Pittsburgh’s Quarterback Dilemma

The Steelers’ quarterback situation is, by all accounts, precarious. After parting ways with Russell Wilson and losing Justin Fields to the Jets in free agency, Pittsburgh’s current depth chart includes Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. Rudolph, the only one with significant NFL experience, has 19 career starts, most of which came in relief of Ben Roethlisberger. Howard, a sixth-round pick, is viewed as a developmental prospect unlikely to contribute meaningfully in 2025.

This instability follows years of quarterback turnover since Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2021. The Steelers have cycled through a mix of veterans and unproven talent—Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Wilson, and Fields—without finding a long-term solution. The team’s inability to secure a franchise quarterback has coincided with a playoff drought and a string of average seasons, despite head coach Mike Tomlin’s impressive streak of 18 consecutive non-losing campaigns.

Rodgers’ Fit in Pittsburgh

Rodgers’ potential arrival in Pittsburgh raises several questions. While his resume includes a Super Bowl title and multiple MVP awards, his recent play and injury history suggest diminished returns. In 2024, he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns but struggled with mobility and additional leg injuries. His Achilles tear in 2023 and subsequent hamstring issues have cast doubt on his durability.

Moreover, Rodgers has no prior experience with the Steelers’ offensive system, coaching staff, or personnel. Unlike his time in Green Bay or even New York, where he had some familiarity with the scheme and players, Pittsburgh would represent a fresh start. Yet, Rodgers has not made efforts to integrate with the team during offseason activities, further complicating the potential transition.

Internally, the Steelers are reportedly growing impatient. While they initially viewed Rodgers as a short-term solution to stabilize the position, his indecision has prompted the front office to explore alternatives, including a possible trade for Kirk Cousins. According to reports, Pittsburgh may pivot if Rodgers does not commit soon, as training camp approaches and the need for clarity becomes more urgent.

Organizational Crossroads

The Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers reflects a broader identity crisis. The franchise has long prided itself on stability and competitiveness, but recent years have exposed cracks in its quarterback evaluation and roster construction. The decision to trade wide receiver George Pickens after the 2025 draft, and the failed attempt to re-sign Fields, underscore a lack of cohesive planning.

Analysts have questioned whether signing Rodgers would truly elevate the team. Former Giants executive Marc Ross criticized the move, stating, “You’re just signing him for his name. He gives you no chance to win, he gives you no chance to compete against the good teams.” ESPN’s Louis Riddick echoed those concerns, noting that Rodgers’ indecision is “screwing up everything they’re trying to get done.”

Even if Rodgers were to replicate his late-2024 form, the Steelers are projected to win nine or ten games—likely not enough to surpass the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North or make a deep playoff run. The team’s current trajectory suggests another middling season, potentially ending in a first-round playoff exit and a mid-round draft pick.

Draft and Developmental Challenges

Pittsburgh’s quarterback woes are compounded by missed opportunities in the draft. The team passed on top prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft, opting instead for Will Howard in the later rounds. Analysts believe Howard is unlikely to contribute immediately, and the 2025 quarterback class was widely viewed as weaker than previous years.

Looking ahead, the 2026 draft—set to be held in Pittsburgh—could offer a stronger quarterback crop, including Texas’ Arch Manning and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. Some within the organization and media have floated the idea of a full rebuild, potentially trading veterans like T.J. Watt to accumulate draft capital. However, such a strategy would mark a significant departure from the “Steeler Way,” which has historically emphasized competitiveness over tanking.