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.
- Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are preparing to trade with the Jets to secure QB Shedeur Sanders ahead of teams like the Saints.
- Aaron Rodgers remains undecided about his future, reportedly interested in the 49ers and Vikings while delaying the Steelers’ plans.
- Pittsburgh has explored several QB options and is preparing for all possibilities ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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.
