Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers look seriously interested in Aaron Rodgers, who doesn’t seem to have many options ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Still, the 41-year-old is forcing the team to consider other candidates.
The biggest alternative appears to be in the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Steelers hold seven picks. The problem is that their first-round selection may not be high enough to get one of the best quarterbacks from this year’s class, or at least the one Tomlin prefers.
The Steelers reportedly believe Shedeur Sanders is a better fit than Rodgers, but chances are that the Colorado product will not be available when it’s Pittsburgh’s turn to select at No. 21.
Fortunately, there’s a team willing to trade back. Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan recently revealed they’re open to exchanging their No. 8 pick, emerging as a potential trade partner for the Steelers if Tomlin is determined to get Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“I think we’re definitely open to trading back and acquiring more picks,” Morgan said, as quoted by @Blitz_Burgh on X (formerly known as Twitter). I think we’re gonna be open for all possibilities. Let’s put it that way.”
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Steelers may need to draft before Saints, also linked to Rodgers
The Panthers’ willingness to swap their eighth overall pick might be a great sign for the Steelers, as that selection would be enough to get ahead of the New Orleans Saints, who select at No. 9 and are also interested in Sanders.
Curiously, the NFC North club appears to be competing with Pittsburgh for the same names. Recently, Ben Roethlisberger claimed that Rodgers could turn down the Steelers for the Saints, who are expected to add at quarterback following Derek Carr’s injury.
Dan Graziano of ESPN believes that Pittsburgh is willing to trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft to get Sanders, which is why the New York Jets also emerged as a possible trade partner for the Steelers. Rodgers’ former team holds the No. 7 pick, but the quarterback position seems to have an owner with former Steelers QB Justin Fields.
Giants could prevent Steelers from trading up
Tomlin, however, may not even get a chance to count on Shedeur if the New York Giants take him with the third overall pick. The NFC East franchise will work out other quarterbacks before the Draft though, so we’ll have to wait and see. If Sanders is still available after No. 3, the Steelers could pick up the phone and try to get it done.
