Steelers fans left puzzled as new issue delays Aaron Rodgers’ expected signing

Aaron Rodgers remains the centerpiece of the Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason headlines, but the veteran quarterback has yet to offer any clarity about his next move. Many anticipated that his long-awaited decision might be revealed during Pat McAfee's highly anticipated 'Big Night Aht' at PPG Paints Arena, but that moment came and went without any announcement. As of now, the Steelers are still in suspense — and that may remain the case until after the 2025 NFL Draft.

The uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential arrival in Pittsburgh is now believed to be more strategic than financial. In a recent interview with 93.7 The Fan, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio addressed the core of the delay, stating, “I think that’s the bigger issue,” when asked about the Steelers' draft plans potentially affecting Rodgers’ decision. Florio further added, "And it goes more like this: what if we determine halfway through the season that this just isn’t a year for the Steelers to do anything significant? OK, let’s find out what the young guy has... So I think you introduce a potential awkwardness. I don’t think he wants to go into a situation where there’s going to be a chance."

This echoes a scenario that played out recently with another veteran quarterback — Kirk Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons handed Cousins a $180 million contract, only to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick the very same offseason. That move left Cousins as a highly paid backup while Penix took the spotlight as the team’s future. Rodgers, known for being deliberate and cautious about his decisions, appears unwilling to walk into a similar situation.
Pittsburgh has been actively scouting quarterback prospects, including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart during recent pre-draft visits. This signals that the team is eyeing long-term solutions at quarterback — and might be ready to draft one in the first round.
Still, the Steelers' interest in drafting a quarterback doesn't necessarily signal a lack of desire for Rodgers. In fact, the organization envisions a mentorship dynamic where a young quarterback can develop under Rodgers’ guidance. It’s a model that could serve Pittsburgh both in the present and in the future.
For now, the Steelers — and the NFL world — continue to wait. Whether Aaron Rodgers dons black and gold or chooses another path, his next chapter remains one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the draft and beyond.
Also Read: Steelers fans hoping for Aaron Rodgers news just got a reality check from Pat McAfee