NFL Insider Gets Candid About Aaron Rodgers Possibly Joining Steelers Before Mandatory Minicamp Begins

by

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a starting quarterback. And Aaron Rodgers, as usual, isn’t in a hurry to provide any clarity.

The four-time MVP has stayed quiet as the team prepares for mandatory minicamp, and while the expectation is still that he’ll eventually sign, no one in Pittsburgh has a firm answer, not even Rodgers himself.

Try out Pro Football & Sports Network’s FREE playoff predictor, where you can simulate every 2025-26 NFL season game and see how it all shakes out!

Steelers Continue To Wait on Rodgers’ Decision

Rodgers has always been unpredictable, but even by his standards, this offseason has been strange. After being released by the New York Jets, he became the obvious top target for Pittsburgh, which let both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields walk.

That left the quarterback room in the hands of Mason Rudolph and sixth-round rookie Will Howard, a gamble that only makes sense if Rodgers joins the roster.

For now, the Steelers are stuck in limbo. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on “SportsCenter” that the team remains optimistic but frustrated.

“They’ve had contact with Aaron Rodgers,” Fowler said. “They remain optimistic, but nothing has gotten this to the finish line yet. The hope would be that around June 10 through 12, when they hit the field for mandatory minicamp, that Rogers would be there. Right now, they’re simply waiting.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero added more context on “The Rich Eisen Show,” saying Rodgers has yet to give Pittsburgh a firm commitment. “He has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,” Pelissero said. “There’s all these signs that he’s coming, but … that has not happened as of this point.”

Rodgers visited the Steelers’ facility earlier this offseason and has remained in touch with the team, but in public appearances, he’s offered little clarity. On “The Pat McAfee Show” in April, he said retirement was still on the table. He later appeared on “The Joe Rogan Experience” and the “You Know What I Mean” podcast without offering any updates about his retirement.

Is Rodgers Still the Right Fit for Pittsburgh?

Despite the silence, former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is still a believer. Haley recently said Rodgers is the guy Pittsburgh needs to get back into contention, and his numbers support that.

In 2024, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 11 interceptions, and 28 touchdowns while completing 63% of his passes. That version of Rodgers would elevate Pittsburgh instantly.

But if he’s not coming, the Steelers need a Plan B — and soon. Minicamp kicks off June 10, and training camp follows in late July. If Rodgers doesn’t sign, the team may be forced to explore unlikely trade options or roll with Rudolph and Howard into the regular season.

For now, all they can do is wait.

Leave a Comment