Not Vikings: Ben Roethlisberger believes Aaron Rodgers could turn down Mike Tomlin, Steelers for another NFL team

Ben Roethlisberger has been hard to replace for the Pittsburgh Steelers since his retirement from the NFL in 2022. Mike Tomlin has targeted Aaron Rodgers this offseason to try and fix the team’s struggles at quarterback, but his interest seemed to be under threat by teams like the Minnesota Vikings.

Big Ben, however, believes there’s another franchise that could snatch A-Rod from the Steelers. According to the 2x Super Bowl champion, the New Orleans Saints could end up signing Rodgers ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

“We learned that Derek Carr has a shoulder injury and may miss the whole season. I’m not going to confirm or deny that’s the quarterback I was talking about, but it’s kind of unique. That’s a new door that’s opened up in the [Rodgers saga],” Roethlisberger said during a recent episode of his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, via Steelers Wire.

After months of hearing only the Vikings could lure Rodgers away from Pittsburgh, the Saints emerged as a team to watch due to Carr’s injury. Roethlisberger believes New Orleans might be the biggest competitor for the Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers looks on from the sideline during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Everyone was talking about, ‘it’s Minnesota, Minnesota,’ we thought that door kind of closed — it’s Pittsburgh, it’s retirement — it’s maybe wait till the season gets going when you lose a potential quarterback on a team that is a contender. Then it’s up to Aaron — do they want Aaron? Would Aaron want to go there? There’s still a lot of questions, but it’s still interesting that that is there,” Roethlisberger added.

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NFL News: Ben Roethlisberger sends a huge warning to Mike Tomlin and Steelers about Aaron Rodgers’ final decision on his next team

Steelers, Saints also interested in Sanders amid Rodgers’ silence

The Saints’ connection with Rodgers is interesting, as the NFC South team is expected to compete against the Steelers for yet another quarterback. With the 2025 NFL Draft drawing nearer, both teams seem to have their sights set on the same prospect.

Shedeur Sanders, one of the most exciting quarterbacks of this year’s class, has reportedly drawn interest from both the Saints and Steelers. Tomlin and company, however, may run from behind in this pursuit.

With the ninth overall pick, New Orleans is expected to select before Pittsburgh, who will be on the clock at No. 21. That gives the Saints an advantage to get Sanders, but word on the street is that the Steelers are ready to trade up to draft Shedeur.