Aaron Rodgers hasn’t made any decision about his future yet, but the feeling around the NFL is that he will end up playing on the Pittsburgh Steelers. After all, Mike Tomlin reportedly still sees Rodgers as his priority target over Kirk Cousins or other candidates. However, the quarterback could make up his mind at an unexpected moment.
The Steelers are starting the third phase of the offseason on Tuesday, when the players report for the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Rodgers isn’t expected to show up, but Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk doesn’t rule out this possibility.
“It would be very fitting for Rodgers to try to show up quietly, with a low-key signing that doesn’t include any pomp and/or circumstance,” wrote Florio, suggesting that Rodgers could silently join the Steelers when people least expect it.
Even though Florio admits that this scenario is unlikely, he still believes it’s a possibility: “When he visited the team in March, he did it discreetly; it didn’t come to light until someone from the team blabbed to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Still, Rodgers hasn’t signed yet. Chances are he won’t be signing by tomorrow. (But, no, it’s not impossible.)“
Steelers entering final phase of the offseason
The Steelers will have six OTAs practices ahead of the 2025 NFL season, with the first three taking place from May 27 to May 29. The other three will be held from June 3 to June 5, before the team has its annual mandatory minicamp.
The latter, which will take place from June 10 to June 12, will be the last activity before training camp. Rodgers’ presence remains uncertain, as the QB already skipped the New York Jets’ mandatory minicamp last year to make a trip to Egypt.
Rodgers revealed earlier in the offseason that he people in his inner circle are going through a difficult time, which is why he couldn’t be thinking about playing football yet. This situation hasn’t changed, and it’s unclear how much longer it will take for him to feel ready.
The Steelers’ QB situation without Rodgers
Tomlin has been patient all these months, and his stance remains unchanged. In the meantime, he’s counting on Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson as the Steelers’ quarterbacks under contract for the 2025 NFL season.
The wait, however, is forcing Pittsburgh to keep its options open, with a former Kansas City Chiefs QB seen as a possible plan B to Rodgers. Only time will tell whether Rodgers ends up playing in Pittsburgh, or if Tomlin has to settle with another alternative.