Is the Rodgers-to-Steelers Saga Finally Ending? Analyzing the Potential Blockbuster Trade
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2022. They’ve tried Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson, but none have proven to be the long-term answer. Now, all eyes are on Aaron Rodgers. But is this potential blockbuster trade finally reaching its conclusion?
The Quarterback Carousel Continues
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan admits that the constant turnover at quarterback isn’t what the team envisioned after Roethlisberger’s departure. The Steelers have been actively exploring all options to find their next long-term answer at quarterback. This included signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields in 2024, only to see both players depart in free agency the following year.
Currently, the Steelers’ quarterback room consists of Mason Rudolph, who returned to Pittsburgh after a year with the Tennessee Titans, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard. However, the team remains linked to free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers to Pittsburgh: A Match Made in Heaven?
The Rodgers-to-Steelers rumors have been swirling for months, and recent reports suggest that the deal may finally be nearing completion. Rodgers himself has hinted at the possibility, telling a Chicago Bears fan that he’ll be playing the Bears in Week 12 as a member of the Steelers.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler has reported that the Steelers view Rodgers as “Plan A” and that they have another quarterback in mind as a backup plan.
What Rodgers Brings to the Table
At 41 years old, Aaron Rodgers is still considered an elite quarterback. In his last full season, he completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His intelligence, experience, and leadership could provide the Steelers with a significant boost.
Rodgers’ potential arrival could also lead to a shift in the Steelers’ offensive philosophy. Known for his strategic acumen, Rodgers may want to have a significant say in the Steelers’ offensive playbook. This could give him the freedom to tailor the offense to his strengths and elevate the team’s performance.
The Backup Plan: Kirk Cousins
If the Rodgers deal falls through, the Steelers may turn their attention to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. While Cousins is a solid quarterback, he is coming off a rough 2024 campaign. In 14 games, he completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
Drafting for the Future
Even if the Steelers acquire Rodgers, they are still expected to draft a quarterback for the future. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round. Howard is viewed as a developmental prospect who could learn from Rodgers.
Other quarterbacks the Steelers could consider drafting include Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss and Jalen Milroe from Alabama. Dart is a dual-threat quarterback with a similar skill set to Justin Fields, while Milroe is a strong runner with a big arm.
The Impact on the Steelers’ Offense
The Steelers’ offense could look very different in 2025, depending on who is under center. With DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth as key targets, the Steelers need to find a reliable receiver to complement Metcalf.
One potential target is Allen Lazard, who has played with Rodgers in both Green Bay and New York. Lazard is known for his chemistry with Rodgers and could be a logical replacement for George Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Clock is Ticking
The Steelers are hoping to have a deal with Rodgers in place before their OTAs begin on May 27th. However, team president Art Rooney II has said that the team has not set a deadline for Rodgers to make his decision.
The Final Verdict
The Rodgers-to-Steelers saga is far from over, but recent reports suggest that the end may be in sight. If the Steelers can land Rodgers, they could become a Super Bowl contender in 2025.