The Pittsburgh Steelers have no guarantees that Aaron Rodgers will be their quarterback for the 2025 NFL season. However, a trade with his former team—the New York Jets—could help Mike Tomlin secure an alternative to the 41-year-old.
Tomlin and the Steelers recently added another QB to their list of candidates ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, but many believe Shedeur Sanders might be the best option from this year’s class.
The problem is that the Colorado product may no longer be available when it’s Pittsburgh’s turn in the first round, as the Steelers select 21st overall. Zach Pressnell of Sports Illustrated, however, notes that the Jets have a way to help the Steelers get Sanders.
With the No. 7 overall pick, the Jets will get to select before the New Orleans Saints, who have been strongly linked with Sanders. Therefore, the Steelers could get ahead of the Saints by trading for the Jets‘ pick. Such a move may come at a price, but it could be worth it if Rodgers remains in silence.
Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado looks on during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Even though Rodgers giving an answer before the 2025 NFL Draft would make things much easier for the Steelers, chances are that Tomlin and company go on the clock without knowing A-Rod’s final decision.
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NFL News: Mike Tomlin and Steelers have reportedly picked starting quarterback plan between Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph
Steelers have many QBs in mind amid Rodgers’ silence
Either way, the team may need to draft a quarterback this year. Even with Rodgers on board, the Steelers know that it might be just a matter of time before they need a starting quarterback again. After all, Rodgers isn’t getting any younger.
Tomlin and the front office have been doing their homework by having four prospects for a visit, including Sanders. Apart from the Colorado star, they also met with Syracuse QB Kyle McCord, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart.
In addition, Steelers general manager Omar Khan and Tomlin were in attendance at the pro days at Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, and Notre Dame. That was to look at Jalen Milroe, Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, and Riley Leonard, respectively.
An uncertain first round of the 2025 NFL Draft
It remains to be seen how the Draft unfolds though. The Tennessee Titans are expected to take Cam Ward with the first overall pick, but wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is also expected to be one of the highest picks.
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The Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants, who will follow the Titans, could also be interested in a quarterback, which linked them to Sanders. However, the latest word on the street is that both teams would pass on Shedeur. That could pave the way for the Steelers to trade up and get him before other team does.
