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NFL News: Mike Tomlin, Steelers find relief amid wait on Aaron Rodgers with final competitor reportedly ruled out

The last competitor Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers faced in their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers may no longer be a possibility for the four-time NFL MVP.

NFL News: Mike Tomlin, Steelers reportedly want to count on Aaron Rodgers by a specific date
NFL News: Steelers reportedly could part ways with Mike Tomlin depending on Aaron Rodgers’ arrival

May 20, 2025 04:57PM EDT

**© Sarah Stier/Getty Images**Aaron Rodgers speaks to the media during the New York Jets OTA Offseason Workout at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on May 21, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey.

The NFL free agency may have started more than two months ago, yet Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers‘ definitive response. However, it appears that they shouldn’t have reasons to be worried.

Even though retirement will remain a possibility as long as the 41-year-old stays silent about his future, word around the NFL is that the Steelers are the only realistic landing spot for Rodgers.

According to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, the Steelers shouldn’t expect the New Orleans Saints to threaten their chances of signing Rodgers. It may be a sign of relief for Tomlin and company, with no more competitors left.

“No surprise here, but Aaron Rodgers never really was a consideration for the Saints in the wake of the Derek Carr retirement. At their current stages, they don’t make sense for him, and he doesn’t make sense for them,” Duncan said, via Sports Illustrated.

Aaron Rodgers laughing before a game with Jets

Aaron Rodgers reacts prior to a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Saints’ QB plans may not involve Rodgers

The Saints emerged as a potential destination for Rodgers when Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL this offseason. However, they always seemed to run from behind the Steelers.

NFL News: Aaron Rodgers has reportedly given a response to Mike Tomlin, Steelers regarding his final decision

Rodgers strongly linked to Steelers

The Saints’ QB1 job is up for grabs, but Rodgers may not be in contention. Instead, his future appears to be in Pittsburgh, whose schedule might convince Rodgers to play for Tomlin.

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In the meantime, the Steelers head into the 2025 NFL season with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson under contract. Tomlin is reportedly facing opposition to sign Rodgers, but the veteran QB remains his priority target. Only time will tell whether the coach gets the leader he wants.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.