The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves entangled in uncertainty as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. At the heart of it lies the franchise’s glaring need for a quarterback—an issue that only worsened rumors that veteran Aaron Rodgers may eventually sign with the team.
As weeks pass without clarity, the front office is in a dangerous waiting game that could alter the franchise for years. Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent, and the Steelers have yet to find a capable first-string gunslinger.
Currently holding the 21st overall pick, the Steelers face a serious dilemma. With a shallow quarterback class and limited top-tier options expected to be available by the time they’re on the clock, the decision is complicated. Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart is projected to be one of the few viable quarterback options available at that point, but questions remain about his readiness for the NFL spotlight.
Many scouts believe Dart possesses starting-caliber traits but would benefit immensely from a developmental year under a seasoned veteran—something Pittsburgh currently lacks.
Rodgers’ name has echoed through the Steel City as a possible answer, but his future remains unconfirmed. Banking on a 41-year-old quarterback who has yet to commit is risky. The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers could force Pittsburgh into making a premature and potentially costly investment in Dart or another second-tier quarterback.
It’s a haunting reminder of the 2022 draft when the Steelers used their first-round pick on Kenny Pickett—an experiment that ultimately failed to deliver a long-term solution.
Pittsburgh Steelers front office let Aaron Rodgers disrupt the 2025 NFL Draft potential
Following a disjointed quarterback carousel that included Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is still searching for a capable leader to resurrect one of the NFL’s most uninspiring offenses.
The team’s inactivity in free agency has only added pressure to the situation. With Mason Rudolph currently penciled in as the starter, there’s little confidence that the team can compete without making a move.
Rodgers’ indecision has created a ripple effect that could derail Pittsburgh’s draft strategy. If the Steelers pass on drafting a quarterback and Rodgers doesn’t sign, they may enter the 2025 season without a bona fide starter, prolonging the franchise’s post-Roethlisberger woes. On the flip side, reaching for a quarterback out of desperation could lead to another costly misfire.
As draft day nears, Pittsburgh must choose between patience and proactivity. Either way, the pressure is mounting—and this time, there’s no room for another quarterback misstep.
