Tom Petty once sang that “the waiting is the hardest part.” The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are currently living with that feeling — because of Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers seem ready to go all-in on the future Hall of Fame quarterback, but he’s taking his time deciding who he’ll play for next season. He reportedly is interested in joining the Minnesota Vikings, but they might not have any interest in him. Outside of the baggage and drama the 41-year-old could bring, they also have 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy they’re still high on and want to develop.
The New York Giants are another team that has their eyes on Rodgers.
Rodgers was released by the New York Jets’ new regime following two tumultuous seasons with Gang Green. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, but he finished the year with the second-most pass attempts as they played from behind nearly every game and only averaged 229 passing yards per game. He’s also not as mobile as he once was and took 40 sacks last season.
The Steelers are coming off a playoff season, but they ended the year in disappointing fashion, losing their last five games, including to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Justin Fields, who signed a two-year deal with the Jets, went 4-2 as a starter for Pittsburgh before he was benched for Russell Wilson. The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback went 6-1 in his first seven starts after coming back from a calf injury, but collapsed in the back half. Wilson is a free agent as well.
When will Pittsburgh Steelers fill their starting quarterback void?
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Steelers believe they’re “getting closer” to figuring out who their starting quarterback will be in 2025.
“In their mind, that optimism pertained to Aaron Rodgers,” noted Anderson.
Worth Noting: One league source told me earlier today that the #Steelers* feel like they're "getting closer" on their quarterback situation.
In their mind, that optimism pertained to Aaron Rodgers.
Let's see…if that sentiment is mutually* held towards the consummation of a… pic.twitter.com/5QG2oju33Z
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 18, 2025
It makes sense for Rodgers to choose the Steelers over the Giants if the Vikings aren’t interested in him. Pittsburgh has a more solid foundation under head coach Mike Tomlin and has wide receiver weapons in the recently-acquired DK Metcalf and George Pickens. However, the Steelers’ offensive line did struggle in pass protection in 2024, allowing a pressure rate of 38.6% — 29th in the NFL.
The Giants, meanwhile, have been floundering the last two seasons under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, with both on the hot seat. New York owns the third-overall pick after coming off a 3-14 season where they set a franchise record for most losses in a season.
For Rodgers, the choice between stability and rebuild could be the deciding factor in the days ahead.
