Aaron Rodgers isn’t the Steelers’ savior—Pittsburgh must prioritize drafting a young quarterback in 2025

As Aaron Rodgers resurfaced with his trademark mystique on The Pat McAfee Show, he offered no concrete answers about his NFL future—only a reminder that he’s “open to anything and attached to nothing.” With retirement still on the table and personal matters taking precedence, Rodgers has left teams, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers, in limbo. As the NFL Draft approaches, Pittsburgh must make a decisive move, securing a quarterback for the future rather than gambling on Rodgers' uncertain timeline.

The ever-enigmatic Aaron Rodgers resurfaced on Thursday with a message that was equal parts intriguing and ambiguous. In a candid appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the veteran quarterback neither committed to a return nor closed the door on retirement. Instead, he offered the league — and the Pittsburgh Steelers in particular — a subtle message cloaked in classic Rodgers vagueness: he’s not ready to decide, and he’s not in a hurry.
“I’m open to anything and attached to nothing,” Rodgers said. “So yeah, retirement could still be a possibility.”
That level of uncertainty is exactly why Pittsburgh must act decisively at the upcoming NFL Draft. With Rodgers caught between personal obligations and professional possibilities, the Steelers can no longer afford to simply wait and hope. A long-term quarterback solution needs to be part of their blueprint — now.
Rodgers, now 41, appears to be focused on more than just football. During the show, he opened up about ongoing challenges in his personal life, including serious health issues within his inner circle and off-the-field commitments he had made long before this offseason’s uncertainty.

“I’m in a different phase of my life. I’m 41 years old. I’m in a serious relationship. I have off the field stuff going on… and I have a couple people in my inner, inner circle who are really battling some difficult stuff.”
This isn’t a quarterback who's trying to keep teams guessing for leverage. Instead, it’s someone asking for space, not guarantees. Rodgers even made clear that teams are aware of his situation and that he’s open to playing next season for just $10 million — a gesture that does show interest but no urgency.
While that might sound like a fair deal, it’s a luxury Pittsburgh can’t afford. Especially not with the quarterback position being as unsettled as it is. Rodgers met with Steelers officials, had a throwing session with DK Metcalf, and even prompted team owner Art Rooney II to suggest the quarterback was “headed in our direction.” And yet, nothing is certain.
That leaves the Steelers in a very familiar — and risky — position, similar to what the Jets experienced just two years ago: floating in limbo, fueled by optimism but dependent on someone else's timeline.

Rodgers may not have offered a timeline, but the NFL calendar doesn’t wait for personal clarity. Next week’s draft represents a pivotal opportunity for the Steelers to protect their future. At pick No. 21, they are well-positioned to take a quarterback — someone who could either develop under Rodgers or step in as the starter if Rodgers ultimately walks away.
“This is my life,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been up front with [the Steelers] about that, and said, ‘Listen, if you need to move on, if you need to do something, by all means.’ Nothing but love and respect if that’s the decision that needs to be made. But there’s been no deadline.”
That should be more than enough for Pittsburgh to take control of its future. Rodgers has essentially handed them the green light to move forward without fear of burning bridges. There’s respect, there’s transparency, but there’s also a clear message: the ball is in the Steelers’ court.

To do nothing would be a gamble far riskier than any draft pick. The Steelers can’t afford to pin their hopes on Rodgers — not after failed investments in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They’ve been through the quarterback carousel already, and it's time to get off.
The only sensible option is to find a quarterback now — one who could learn under Rodgers if the stars align, or take over the reins if they don’t. Either way, Pittsburgh controls the next move. Rodgers has made that abundantly clear.
This time, the Steelers need to listen. And more importantly, they need to act.
Also Read: “Steelers should walk away”: NFL expert Mike Florio calls out Aaron Rodgers as he warns team against signing the veteran