Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are not desperate about the current situation involving Aaron Rodgers. According to sources close to Brooke Pryor, the message is clear: everything is going as planned.
“I’ve talked with several Steelers sources and they said it’s the status quo. They continue to remain in communication with Aaron Rodgers. They’re still optimistic that they will ultimately end up landing him. There is no firm deadline on when he could report and sign with Steelers. The Steelers are comfortable with that because they believe he’s a plug-and-play player where it doesn’t matter when he shows up. You put him in the lineup and he’s going to be good to go.”
So, the Steelers remain confident that waiting for Rodgers will be worth it in their quest to contend for the Super Bowl during the 2025 season. In fact, they seem to fully understand that the veteran isn’t fond of the early phases of preparation before mandatory minicamp. That was exactly what caused major issues with the Jets due to his well-known trip to Egypt.
Will Mike Tomlin be fired because of Aaron Rodgers?
Mike Tomlin wouldn’t be fired if the pursuit of Aaron Rodgers fails, but the drawn-out and exhausting nature of the situation could cost the head coach some credibility. If they don’t sign him, the team will have essentially sacrificed their entire offseason, and likely the 2025 season, for a player who ultimately would have turned them down.
If he signs and the season ends up being a disappointment with Rodgers leading the way, multiple reports indicate that team owner Art Rooney II would place most of the responsibility on Tomlin, since he was the one who pushed hardest to sign the veteran so insistently.
Although Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are currently competing for the top spot on the depth chart, the Steelers are well aware that Aaron Rodgers would be an upgrade over either option. Therefore, the moment he signs, he will take over the responsibility as the starting quarterback.