Steelers Playing Risky Game With Aaron Rodgers As He’s Drawn To Another Destination

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a huge risk with their quarterback situation. After losing out on Justin Fields, who agreed to terms with the New York Jets on Monday, the Steelers find themselves scrambling to fill the quarterback spot for the 2025 season. Many thought Fields would be their man, making it a shock when the Steelers missed out on him.

Now, with a revamped offense featuring superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers have the playmakers to potentially make their offense terrifying. But there’s still a glaring hole under center, and while insiders believe Pittsburgh will address it soon, the uncertainty remains.

Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a serious candidate, but that comes with a price tag that could make many Steelers fans uncomfortable for a 41-year-old quarterback. On Tuesday, NFL insider Mike Garafolo revealed that another team is in serious talks with Rodgers as well. If Pittsburgh misses out on him, they could be left with Russell Wilson—or, worse yet, no clear plan heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

"Giants have had great conversations with Aaron Rodgers, from my understanding," Garafolo said. "And part of it is we think you and Malik Nabers are really going to vibe. We know you ask a lot of your wide receivers and this is a guy who can handle it and probably will thrive. And the kind of guy who helps you thrive as well."

Garafolo believes the New York Giants and Rodgers are in serious talks about a potential partnership, which could spell trouble for the Steelers if they’re seriously interested in acquiring him. 

The Giants could drive up the price, making it much harder for Pittsburgh to land the four-time MVP.

"In addition we've got Theo Johnson the tight end. Tyrone Tracy the running back. They've got pieces," Garafolo said. "Darius Slayton back as well. It is kind of sort of attractive when you look at what the Giants are doing. So those conversations will continue."

The idea of Rodgers wanting to finish his career with the Giants seems unlikely, but it might be more realistic than some think. Having already played for the Jets, he wouldn’t have to relocate far, and it could give him a chance to stick it to the team that chose to move on from him. 

However, the Giants are a mess, and their roster doesn’t offer better offensive weapons than Pittsburgh’s. Plus, they don’t have Mike Tomlin, who could be a major draw for Rodgers to come to the Steelers. Tomlin is a very popular coach in the league and many players want to play for him. Rodgers and Tomlin have a great deal of respect for each other as well.

Steelers Seem To Have Only 2 Real Options At Quarterback

Some Steelers fans might even prefer Wilson over Rodgers, especially if he’s a more affordable option. At least Wilson is already familiar with the Steelers’ system, has bought into the city’s culture, and is known as a strong leader. Unlike Rodgers, Wilson wouldn’t bring the distractions that could come with such a polarizing figure, which could factor into the decision as well.

The Steelers must secure their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, and as of Tuesday, it seems like Wilson or Rodgers are the remaining options. Of course, anything could happen—perhaps the Steelers will surprise everyone with a bold trade for a quarterback or take a big gamble in the draft. Either way, the Steelers’ quarterback decision remains incredibly polarizing and will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise.

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