The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a difficult spot. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, they still don’t know if Aaron Rodgers will play for them next season. The 41-year-old quarterback has not announced whether he will join the Steelers, sign with another team, or retire.

Because of this, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan are considering a trade with the New York Jets. The goal of this trade would be to move up from the 21st pick to the 7th pick in the draft. If they can do that, they could select quarterback Shedeur Sanders from the University of Colorado.

The New Orleans Saints, who draft before Pittsburgh, are also interested in Sanders. So, if the Steelers want him, they may have to act fast. Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell explained that trading with the Jets could allow the Steelers to pick Sanders before the Saints.

This trade would likely cost Pittsburgh future draft picks or key players. Still, if Rodgers does not return, the Steelers need a reliable quarterback for the future. That is why this move is being considered seriously.

Steelers Study Several Quarterbacks as Backup Plans

While they wait on Rodgers, the Steelers are not staying idle. They have already met with four quarterback prospects:

• Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
• Kyle McCord (Syracuse)
• Tyler Shough (Louisville)
• Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)

In addition to those visits, Tomlin and Khan attended pro days at major programs. They traveled to Alabama to see Jalen Milroe, Ohio State for Will Howard, Texas for Quinn Ewers, and Notre Dame for Riley Leonard, which shows the Steelers are looking at all options.

The team currently has the 21st overall pick. However, Sanders might be selected before then. If the Steelers want to guarantee they get him, they will need to move up.

A recent fan poll showed that most fans expect the Steelers to draft a rookie quarterback. About 52% believe the team will select a rookie only. Another 37% think they will sign Rodgers and still draft a quarterback. Only 12% believe the team will just sign Rodgers.

Rodgers Possibly Interested in 49ers or Vikings

Aaron Rodgers may be the biggest question in the NFL right now. He has not said anything about playing in 2025, and that uncertainty is affecting the Steelers’ plans.

According to Colin Cowherd from FOX Sports, Rodgers may not want to play in Pittsburgh. He said the Steelers have issues like a weak offensive line, two unproven receivers, and the loss of running back Najee Harris. Cowherd believes Rodgers wants to wait and see if a better opportunity opens up—possibly with the San Francisco 49ers.

Rodgers is also connected to the Minnesota Vikings. According to Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated, Rodgers reached out to the Vikings with a plan. He offered to play one season while helping rookie JJ McCarthy learn. Minnesota considered the idea but decided to move forward with McCarthy as the starter.

As for the 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy, who is only 25 years old, he led the team to a Super Bowl and an NFC Championship Game. Even though his 2024 season had ups and downs, San Francisco is expected to sign him to a new contract. So, it’s unlikely that Rodgers will land there.

New Orleans Saints Enter the Picture

The Saints are another team that could sign Rodgers. After starting quarterback Derek Carr got injured, New Orleans became a possible destination. The team has a new head coach, Kellen Moore, but they are facing major financial problems.

Rodgers might not be a good fit there. New Orleans did not plan to go after him until Carr got hurt. Their roster is not built to support a veteran quarterback with title hopes. And unlike the Steelers, the Saints do not have a strong coaching staff or a solid defensive unit.

Rodgers’ performance in 2024 was also a concern. He won only five games with the Jets and ranked 22nd on the PFSN QB+ metric, lower than Justin Fields (15), Russell Wilson (17), and Derek Carr (11). While Rodgers is still a big name, his recent play has not matched his past success.

Steelers Getting Ready for All Outcomes

With all this in mind, the Steelers are preparing for every possible outcome. If Rodgers joins, they will have a veteran leader. If not, they need to be ready to draft a future starter.

Mason Rudolph is still on the team, and he gives them experience. But the front office clearly wants a new quarterback to lead the franchise long-term.

The Steelers’ trade with the Jets could be their best chance to get Sanders before the Saints do. But if the trade does not happen, they still have other quarterback options they have looked at closely.

Right now, Aaron Rodgers holds the key. But the Steelers cannot wait forever. They are ready to make a move.

On Saturday, during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice was hit by a pitch twice. In the first inning, he was hit on the foot. Then, in the fourth inning, he was struck on his left elbow by an 88.2 mph slider thrown by Rays reliever Manuel Rodríguez.

After the second hit-by-pitch, Rice stayed in the game and scored a run. However, when his spot came up in the sixth inning, he was replaced by pinch-hitter Pablo Reyes. The team then announced that Rice would go to St. Joseph’s Hospital for X-rays and a CT scan.

The tests showed no fracture or serious damage. The team said he had a contusion, meaning a bruise and some swelling.

Manager Aaron Boone said on Sunday that Rice was feeling “quite a bit better” and was in good spirits. He said the imaging results helped ease everyone’s concerns.

Because of the swelling, Rice did not play in Sunday’s game and was not available off the bench. The Yankees are being cautious and hope he can return during their next series against the Cleveland Guardians, which begins Monday.

Why Rice’s Health Matters to the Yankees Right Now

Rice has been one of the Yankees’ most productive hitters this season. Through 19 games, he is batting .292 with five home runs, nine RBIs, two stolen bases, a .403 on-base percentage, and a 1.003 OPS. His wRC+ is 188, and he has posted 0.9 fWAR.

Only Aaron Judge has had better offensive numbers on the team.

Rice was drafted in the 12th round in 2021 from Dartmouth College. He made his major league debut on June 18, 2024. On July 6, 2024, he hit three home runs in one game and drove in seven runs, tying Lou Gehrig’s rookie record for RBIs in a game.

Although he struggled for the rest of the 2024 season and finished with a .171 batting average, he added muscle during the offseason and came into 2025 ready to improve. His hard-hit rates and exit velocities have been among the best on the team.

Last Thursday, Rice had his first career four-hit game against the Rays. On Friday, he almost hit a two-run home run, but it was caught at the wall by Rays outfielder José Caballero.

On Saturday, Rice led off the game, got hit by a pitch, and scored the Yankees’ first run before getting hit again in the fourth.

Yankees Adjust Lineup While Rice Recovers

While Rice recovers, the Yankees have adjusted the lineup. On Sunday, Trent Grisham led off and hit a solo home run. He has also hit five home runs this season and could see more time at the top of the order.

Aaron Boone said he liked the way Grisham had been swinging the bat. With Aaron Judge hitting behind him, Grisham could help keep the offense moving while Rice is out.

Max Fried started Sunday’s game. The Yankees wanted a long outing from him since the bullpen had been heavily used in the series. Boone said the team did not want to use Rice even as a pinch-hitter because of the swelling and the early point in the season.

Updates on Yankees Pitching

In other news, Yankees reliever Clayton Beeter made his first rehab appearance after being held back in spring training due to a shoulder injury. Pitching for Single-A Tampa on Sunday, he struck out all four batters he faced. His fastball reached between 95 and 98 mph.

Boone said the team is happy with his progress and sees him as someone who could contribute this year.

Jonathan Loáisiga, who had elbow surgery, threw live batting practice at the Yankees’ player development complex. If all goes well, he is expected to throw one more session before beginning a rehab assignment.

Nikola Jokić is not the fastest or the strongest player in the NBA. He does not jump high, and he often looks tired during games. But no one understands the game like he does. And in 2023, he became the best player in the world when he led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship.

Let’s go back to where it all started.

The Beginning: From Sombor, Serbia

Nikola Jokić was born in Sombor, Serbia, a small town that most basketball fans had never heard of. He lived in a small apartment with his parents, two older brothers, and grandmother. His father was an agricultural engineer. Life was not easy. He grew up during the Yugoslav Wars and sometimes had to hide in bomb shelters. At that time, basketball was not necessary—survival was.

Even so, Jokić started playing basketball with his brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja. He was younger and smaller, but he kept playing. Eventually, he joined Mega Basket, a Serbian club in the Adriatic League. He played there for three seasons and kept improving. In his final season in 2015, he averaged 15.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. That same year, he was named the ABA League MVP and Top Prospect.

Drafted by the Nuggets While Asleep

Because of his performance, NBA scouts noticed him. In the 2014 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets selected him with the 41st overall pick. Jokić was not watching. He was asleep in Sombor when his name was called.

He joined the Nuggets a year later for the 2015–2016 season. As a rookie, he averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He made the All-Rookie First Team. People started calling him “The Joker” for his humor and style of play.

Rapid Rise and Breaking Records

In his second season, he averaged 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He recorded six triple-doubles, something no center had done since David Robinson in 1993–94. In his third season, he averaged 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. He helped the Nuggets reach the playoffs for the first time since 2013. That year, he tied Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most triple-doubles in a season by a center, twelve in total.

By the 2020 playoffs, Jokić was already one of the best players in the league. He led the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals by coming back from two 3-1 deficits against the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers. No other team had ever done that in the same postseason. Jokić averaged 24.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists.

Winning the MVP and a Championship

In 2021, Jokić became the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win the MVP award. He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while playing in all 72 games. He shot 56.6% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range. He won the MVP again the next season.

In 2023, he led the Nuggets to the best record in franchise history, finishing with a 58-14 regular season. During the playoffs, he averaged 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and finally, the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

The Nuggets won the title in five games. Jokić became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in the Finals. He also became the first center since Tim Duncan in 2003 to win Finals MVP. His numbers in the Finals were 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists per game.

That Championship Moment

As the final buzzer sounded, Jokić didn’t jump or scream. He rather shook hands with the Heat players and even held some of their heads in his large hands. He wiped his face with a towel as confetti fell. Then, Lisa Salters from ESPN walked up to interview him. Jokić, almost seven feet tall, bent his head to listen.

The story is even more unbelievable when you remember what Serbian agent Misko Raznatovic posted after the Finals. He shared a photo of five-year-old Jokić wearing a Nuggets sweatshirt.

He wrote, “Back in 2000, when this photo was taken, [Jokić] he is wearing a Nuggets sweatshirt — not because he loved basketball or even knew about the Nuggets — but because he got it as a present. Chances of a kid from a small Serbian town having a sweatshirt from a lesser-known American team back in 2000 were minimal, but chances of that same kid growing up to play basketball and achieve his career high, win two MVP titles, and sign a historic agreement with the same club whose sweatshirt he wore at age 5, were — zero.”

The Jokić Bump: How He Improves Everyone

Nikola Jokić also improves his teammates. People call this “The Jokić Bump.” That means players get better just by playing with him.

Christian Braun learned this quickly. During his rookie season, he didn’t take stretching seriously. He would joke and talk while lying on the floor. One day, Jokić walked over, picked up Braun’s mat, moved it next to his own, and said, “You’re gonna do this every day. Right here.”

Since then, Braun stretches next to Jokić before every practice. They race down the court after warmups. Braun doesn’t talk until stretching is done. He said, “It can save your career. Your body is your tool, and he had to understand that he’s young and stuff, but I think a routine is something that you’re doing over the course of time.”

In 2024–25, Braun had his best season ever. He set career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. He led the league in fast-break points. Jokić assisted Braun on 168 baskets that season, the second-most of any duo in the league. The only pair ahead of them was James Harden and Ivica Zubac of the Clippers.

Braun said, “It’s all credit to Nikola. He’ll grab you during the game, and he’ll tell you, ‘I want you here because they’re gonna do this.’ He’ll know three steps ahead.”

Jokić’s Leadership Without Words

Jokić doesn’t talk much, but his actions teach. During a game, when Bruce Brown yelled “Wolf! Wolf!” to signal a double-team, Jokić didn’t pass. Instead, he threw the ball out of bounds. Later, he told Brown, “Don’t cut. I’m listening to your voice.”

Monte Morris said Jokić communicates with his eyes. He explained, “He’ll just put his eyes up big.” That meant it was time to cut.

Bogdan Bogdanović, who played with Jokić on the Serbian national team, said Jokić always tells him, “Steal every second of the game.” That means always thinking fast, even right after a rebound. Bogdanović said, “It’s just pop, fast. Two, three seconds to bring the ball up. It’s constantly thinking.”

Isaiah Hartenstein played with Jokić in 2020–21. He followed him around, asking questions. He said, “(Jokić) is really open. He’s not gonna come to you and tell you, ‘Hey, you should do this.’ But when you ask him questions, he’ll really take time and go through it with you.”

Jokić even draws up plays during games. He did it in Denver, and he also did it with Serbia. He keeps plays simple and uses each teammate in the best way. Bogdanović said, “He understands who can understand what.”

When the game is over, Jokić doesn’t stop. He follows a strict routine—ice bath, training table, weight room. Morris followed him once and said, “I’m like, he’s the MVP. Let me try his method.” He kept doing it even after leaving Denver. Braun now follows the same routine.

Braun said, “That is somebody I wanna be like. There’s a reason why he’s successful, and I wanna be successful, too. So, why not try to mirror that?”

The Pittsburgh Steelers do not know if Aaron Rodgers will play for them in the 2025 NFL season. Rodgers, who turns 41 this year, has still not shared his decision. Because of this delay, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan are preparing other options.

One of those options could be a trade with the New York Jets. The goal would be to move up in the draft order and select quarterback Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. The Jets currently have the No. 7 overall pick, while the Steelers hold the No. 21 pick. Trading up would help Pittsburgh get ahead of the New Orleans Saints, who are also interested in Sanders.

Rodgers Could Choose Another Team or Retire

Aaron Rodgers finished the 2024 season with only five wins for the New York Jets. His passer rating and yards per attempt were among the lowest of his 20-year career. After that season, Rodgers became a free agent.

While the Steelers have been linked to Rodgers, reports suggest he may prefer other teams. According to FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd, Rodgers is interested in joining the San Francisco 49ers if their current quarterback, Brock Purdy, does not receive a new contract. Cowherd also said Rodgers has doubts about Pittsburgh. He mentioned the team’s weak offensive line, lack of star receivers, and the loss of running back Najee Harris.

Rodgers also contacted the Minnesota Vikings. Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer said Rodgers offered to play one season for the Vikings while mentoring their rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. However, the Vikings decided to stick with McCarthy and build their offense around him.

As a result, Rodgers is still without a team, and the Steelers are still without a confirmed starting quarterback.

Steelers Could Trade Up to Draft Shedeur Sanders

Since Rodgers has not made a decision, the Steelers are focusing on the NFL Draft. They have already met with several quarterback prospects. These include:

• Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
• Kyle McCord (Syracuse)
• Tyler Shough (Louisville)
• Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)

In addition to these meetings, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan attended pro days to scout other quarterbacks:

• Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
• Will Howard (Ohio State)
• Quinn Ewers (Texas)
• Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)

Among these options, Shedeur Sanders stands out as the top choice. Nonetheless, the Steelers may not be able to draft him unless they move up. The New York Jets have the No. 7 pick, and the Saints, who are also interested in Sanders, pick shortly after. To avoid losing Sanders to the Saints, the Steelers are considering trading with the Jets to secure that No. 7 spot.

Zach Pressnell of Sports Illustrated pointed out that this trade could allow Pittsburgh to get ahead of the Saints and select Sanders. The move would likely cost the Steelers high-value picks or players. One rumored deal involved star linebacker T.J. Watt. And while that is not confirmed, it shows the level of investment the Steelers are willing to make.

Saints vs. Steelers: Which Team Is Better for Rodgers?

If Rodgers decides to play in 2025, his two main options appear to be the Steelers and the Saints. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport discussed this on The Pat McAfee Show. He explained that while both teams need a quarterback, Pittsburgh offers a more stable situation.

Rapoport highlighted three advantages the Steelers have:

1. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season.
2. The team has a strong defense.
3. The offense includes top receivers George Pickens and DK Metcalf.

On the other hand, the Saints have financial problems, and a new head coach (Kellen Moore) only started looking at Rodgers after Derek Carr suffered an injury. This uncertainty could make the Saints a less attractive option.

Rodgers’ recent performance also raises concerns. In 2024, he ranked 22nd in Pro Football Statistical Network’s QB+ metric, lower than Justin Fields (15), Russell Wilson (17), and Derek Carr (11). While Rodgers still has name value, his actual production has dropped.

On Tuesday in Barcelona, world number two Carlos Alcaraz defeated American qualifier Ethan Quinn in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(6). The match took place just two days after Alcaraz played the Monte-Carlo Masters final.

In the first set, Alcaraz started strong. He broke Quinn’s serve in the third and fifth games, which gave him a 5-1 lead. Although he missed a set point in the seventh game, he secured the set on his third chance with a clean service game.

However, the second set was more challenging. Quinn, ranked 126th in the world, stepped up his level. Both players exchanged breaks three times. The set went into a tie-break after a series of close games. Quinn earned a set point, but Alcaraz saved it and finished the match with a well-placed drop shot.

Alcaraz Speaks on His Form and Court Conditions

After the match, Alcaraz explained that the fast shift from Monte-Carlo to Barcelona made it hard to find a rhythm. He admitted he wasn’t playing at his highest level.

“Last year it was very painful not to be here, so I am very happy to be able to come back and play here again, and more so to win. I made some mistakes, I found it hard to maintain (the right) level, but I am happy to have solved the problems that came in the second set, and to end up winning in two sets.”

Later, in his press conference, Alcaraz gave more detail about the match and the transition from Monte-Carlo:

“I think it was a somewhat complicated match. The first sets at the start of every tournament are tough, and adapting to different conditions in such a short time is a bit difficult. Playing in Barcelona is unique and special for me. Despite some tough moments, where I wasn’t feeling at my best, I still had a good time. It’s a match I won, even though I didn’t play exceptional tennis, but I hope to improve for the next round.”

He explained the specific differences between Monte Carlo and Barcelona:

“Almost every tournament is different. Even if the balls are the same, the court conditions change drastically. Here, for example, the ball becomes bigger and harder to move. There’s more clay, which makes the surface feel slower. The string tensions vary; the players are new, each stringing differently.”

Alcaraz also explained why it was so important to win this match:

“Adapting to all of this in less than a day is complicated, which is why I think it’s crucial to win the first matches at all costs to keep adjusting and understanding the current conditions. After Monte-Carlo, having so little time to refocus and bring my best here… that’s also tough sometimes.”

Alcaraz is aiming to win the Barcelona Open for the third time. He won titles here in 2022 and 2023 but missed last year’s tournament due to injury.

Ruud Defeats Galan with Confident Performance

Earlier in the day, Casper Ruud, ranked world number 10, also advanced to the last 16. He beat Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia 6-4, 6-3 in a clean match where he didn’t face a single break point.

Ruud hit 25 winners and controlled most of the rallies. He broke Galan’s serve in the 10th game of the first set. In the second set, he broke again at 4-2 and then served out the match.

After the match, Ruud said, “I’m happy to be back in Barcelona and get a straight-sets win. One year ago, I had one of the best weeks of my life, so the memories come back.”

Ruud is the defending champion in Barcelona and is still looking for his first title of 2024.

Tsitsipas and Fils Also Reach the Last 16

Besides Alcaraz and Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Arthur Fils also moved on to the next round.

Tsitsipas, last year’s runner-up, had no trouble beating American Reilly Opelka. He won 6-2, 6-2 by staying consistent and forcing errors. Opelka, known for his powerful serve and height (6’11”), could not hold off Tsitsipas’s baseline pressure.

Meanwhile, Arthur Fils from France beat Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 7-6(6), 6-3. Fils kept his focus during the first-set tie-break and used the momentum to close out the second set.