Steelers Receive Big Warning From Former NFL General Manager On Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to let them know if he will be their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Currently, Rodgers is taking his time and allowing his agent to handle all the details behind the scenes. He’s just being a respectful client as he waits to announce his decision. Rodgers was in Pittsburgh on Friday meeting with Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin, and Art Rooney II. Reports suggest that a decision could come at any moment, and Steelers fans are holding their breath. Well, some of them are. Other fans aren't too keen about the pursuit of Rodgers, viewing the 41-year-old quarterback as expired.

It’s not without risk, though. Rodgers will be expensive and comes with plenty of drama. He's also 41-years-old and has been considering stepping away from the game as well. The Steelers are well aware of the weight of this decision, and while his talent is undeniable, the potential distractions could be just as big. 

Former NFL General Manager Doug Whaley even shared a cautionary story on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, telling listeners that sometimes talent isn’t worth the turmoil, recalling his own experience with wide receiver Percy Harvin during his time with the Buffalo Bills.

"We're in Buffalo and Percy Harvin gets cut from Minnesota," Whaley said on 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show. "And we call him to say, 'Hey, we're interested in you,' And he goes, 'I'm thinking about retiring.' And then at the time, Anthony Lynn was our running backs coach and I think our offensive coordinator. And he says, 'I'd love to have him, but once you hear athletes start talking about retirement, they're already retired.' So we end up signing him anyway."

Whaley’s story served as a warning for Pittsburgh. He explained how Harvin had previously talked about retirement, and ultimately decided to retire midseason, leaving the team in a difficult position. 

Rodgers, like Harvin, has also pondered retirement, which adds another layer of uncertainty to his future. 

"About Week 8 or 9, we're going over to London to play the Jaguars that week," Whaley said. "He comes in and says, 'I'm retired.' And we're like, wait a minute. It was crushing 'cause we were right in the playoff mix... If you start talking retirement at 41, is he going to be able to get over that thought process in his mind and be able to give 110-percent for the entire of the season?"

The Steelers have one of the strongest cultures in the NFL, but bringing in Rodgers could put that foundation to the test. All eyes are now on Rodgers and the front office as the franchise faces a decision that could shape their 2025 season — for better or worse. The major concern is that Rodgers comes with a hefty financial commitment, and his polarizing nature guarantees significant media attention and inevitable distractions, something Pittsburgh's leadership will have to carefully weigh.

Steelers Are Expected To Take A Huge Gamble With Aaron Rodgers

Adding to the complexity, the most important position on the team — quarterback — is occupied by a player who’s been openly questioning retirement. Whaley, reflecting on his time as the Bills' GM, shared a valuable lesson he learned the hard way when he signed Harvin, who ultimately retired mid-season. 

Whaley wishes he had heeded the advice he received back then, and believes that the situation with Rodgers shares several similarities. While there are clear differences in each scenario, Whaley insists the Steelers should take this cautionary anecdote seriously.

It’s a compelling perspective, one that adds another layer of uncertainty to Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Rodgers. The Steelers are accustomed to handling big personalities, but bringing in someone with retirement rumors swirling — as well as the potential for media circus and locker room disruptions — could be a gamble. Whaley’s warning rings true: the Steelers should consider all angles before making such a crucial decision for their future.

#SteelerNation