Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made Aaron Rodgers their priority candidate for the 2025 NFL season, but that hasn’t prevented them from adding at quarterback this offseason. After bringing back Mason Rudolph, the team drafted Will Howard.
Rodgers has been given all the time he needed to think about his next move, and the Steelers refused to put pressure on him even during the Draft week. But with training camp drawing nearer, the team may know for how long it could extend its patience.
During an appearance on Monday’s episode of “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd, former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck suggested that May 27th might be the Steelers’ deadline for Rodgers. That’s when Phase 3 of the offseason program gets underway.
“I just mentioned the three phases for a veteran quarterback,” Hasselbeck said, via Steeler Nation. “Phase 1 feels like a waste of your time. Like, it’s just lifting… There’s no football there. Anyway, Phase 2, again, you’re throwing to guys on air, not that important. Phase 3 I think is really important. So for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I believe that’s May 27th.
Aaron Rodgers looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium on December 03, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“May 27th is the start of Phase 3. I would circle that May 27th date as a date that like, it would really be detrimental to be starting the missing time at that point,” Hasselbeck added.
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Rodgers’ latest comments fail to give Steelers any sign
A former quarterback with 18 NFL seasons under his belt, Hasselbeck knows a thing or two about how things operate in this league. That said, Tomlin and the Steelers have so far denied the existence of any deadline for Rodgers.
The 41-year-old broke the silence about his future in April, but his comments kept his future up in the air. During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, A-Rod revealed that he still needed time to deal with personal matters.
“I’m open to anything and attached to nothing,” Rodgers said. “I have a couple people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some difficult stuff. So, I have a lot of things that are taking my attention and have since the beginning of January away from football.
“That’s where I have been focusing most of my attention on. To make a commitment to a team is a big thing, whether you are a first-year player or 20-year vet. … Retirement still could be a possibility, but right now my focus is and has been and will continue to be on my personal life. And that’s what I told the coaches that there’s still conversations that are being had and so it’s all been very honest lines of communication.”
Howard wants to compete in the Steelers QB room
With Rodgers’ future uncertain, the Steelers currently have three quarterbacks under contract: Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard. While Rudolph’s experience puts him in pole position, the latter is an intriguing addition for Tomlin’s team.
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Howard only cost the Steelers a sixth-round pick (No. 185) and is coming off a National Championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Even though he has a lot to learn, Howard has already given Tomlin and the Steelers a reason to trust in him instead of Rodgers by showing willingness in doing whatever it takes to lead the offense. It’s too soon to tell, but the rookie looks determined to compete in training camp.
