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.
- Aaron Rodgers has not confirmed if he will play for the Steelers in 2025, which leaves the team without a clear starting quarterback.
- The Steelers may trade with the Jets, who hold the No. 7 pick, to draft Shedeur Sanders ahead of the Saints.
- Pittsburgh has evaluated several quarterback prospects and attended multiple pro days to prepare for the draft.
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:
- Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season.
- The team has a strong defense.
- 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.
