Rodgers Decision Pending as Steelers Prepare for OTAs
With just one day to go before the Pittsburgh Steelers commence their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), there’s still no confirmation from 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding his potential signing with the team or his choice to retire.
Rodgers did share some ambiguous insights during a Q&A session at a concert in Austin, Texas. However, these hints have not moved the needle closer to him officially joining the Steelers.
As Pittsburgh gears up for OTAs this week, speculation surrounding Rodgers is expected to intensify. ESPN’s Dan Graziano expressed on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike that he feels the Steelers harbor no regrets about their quarterback strategy this offseason.
“I don’t get that sense. If you asked the Steelers after giving them truth serum, they’d likely admit they weren’t thrilled with any quarterback options this offseason, including Aaron Rodgers,” Graziano noted. “They seem to be accepting whatever situation comes their way.”
Shifting Focus to Future Drafts
It appears the Steelers are prioritizing their draft plans for the upcoming years, specifically the 2025 and 2026 NFL drafts, as they evaluate long-term quarterback solutions. General Manager Omar Khan has been proactive, acquiring compensatory picks, and the trade of wide receiver George Pickens for a 2026 third-round pick reflects their intent to capitalize on a prosperous quarterback class anticipated in 2026.
While the Steelers were interested in acquiring Justin Fields, they didn’t want to engage in a bidding war with the New York Jets. Similarly, they let Russell Wilson sign with the New York Giants and reportedly showed some interest in Sam Darnold, but he opted for Seattle instead.
Maintaining Calm Amid Uncertainty
Despite Rodgers’ indecision, the Steelers seem composed. Team owner Art Rooney II has stated they are willing to wait for a decision from Rodgers. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor previously reported that the Steelers view Rodgers as a plug-and-play option, suggesting that his late arrival wouldn’t be an issue.
However, prolonged uncertainty may lead to increased scrutiny regarding both Rodgers and the Steelers, with ongoing discussions surrounding the team’s handling of the situation and whether they should move on.
Confidence in Mason Rudolph
According to Graziano, the Steelers remain confident regardless of the outcome. They believe Mason Rudolph is capable of leading the offense if necessary, given his past performance. “They don’t dislike Mason Rudolph,” he said, noting his contribution to the team’s playoff run two years ago.
Heading into the 2025 season with Rudolph as the starting QB and rookie Will Howard as the backup, while aiming for playoff success, may not be the best strategy. Nonetheless, if the Steelers struggle, they could secure a favorable pick in the 2026 draft, consolidating their future options. For now, they continue to await Rodgers’ decision without expressing regrets.
