It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a chaotic quarterback situation. As of now, the team does not have a clearly defined starting quarterback heading into the upcoming 2025 season, which has raised concern and sparked endless speculation among fans. Dominating headlines this offseason has been the strong possibility of the Steelers landing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, and one of the most experienced free agents available.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a home game with the team.
This potential signing has generated massive buzz; however, despite widespread belief that Rodgers will end up in Pittsburgh, the fact remains that no official decision or announcement has been made.
Until Rodgers publicly commits, the door remains open for a variety of outcomes, adding more tension and unpredictability to an already uncertain situation. Another recent development has been the retirement of Derek Carr, the most recent New Orleans Saints quarterback. This has generated speculation that the Saints could sign Rodgers, but NFL Insider Tom Pelissero recently joined The Rich Eisen Show and shut those rumors down.
"I don't get the sense that Aaron Rodgers is going to end up in New Orleans," Pelissero said. "You could certainly argue a clearer path for Aaron Rodgers to get into the playoffs in the NFC, and particularly the NFC South, but that's about the only argument for New Orleans... I anticipate Aaron Rodgers is going to be the Steelers quarterback."
This is certainly encouraging news for those who support the idea of Rodgers joining the Steelers. While an official decision has yet to be announced, and no specific deadline has been publicly confirmed, the demeanor of the Steelers’ front office suggests a quiet confidence.
Despite the uncertainty, the organization has maintained a composed and steady approach throughout the offseason, which many interpret as a sign that they believe Rodgers will ultimately sign with the team. In fact, some reports have even claimed that a handshake agreement may already be in place between Rodgers and the Steelers, further fueling optimism among fans.
It’s worth highlighting Pelissero’s comment regarding how Rodgers’ playoff desires might differ between joining the Saints or the Steelers. Under long-time Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who now holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured head coach among the four major American sports leagues, the Steelers have consistently maintained a record of at least .500 or better each season.
They’ve also been regular contenders in the postseason. In contrast, the Saints haven’t experienced the same level of recent playoff relevance, making the Steelers a more stable and potentially competitive landing spot for Rodgers in terms of postseason opportunities.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a regular season game.
However, while the Steelers have consistently reached the postseason under Tomlin’s leadership, their recent postseason performances haven’t resulted in the success fans have been hoping for. In fact, the team has not secured a single playoff victory since 2016, making it nearly a decade-long drought without a postseason win. Additionally, the Steelers face the added challenge of competing in the AFC North, widely known as one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.
The Saints compete in the NFC South, a division that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. While the division was once highly competitive, it has recently become known for its inconsistency and lack of dominant teams.
This has occasionally given the Saints a clearer path to the playoffs compared to teams in tougher divisions. Despite the division's current state, the Saints have struggled to capitalize on these opportunities, which has led to questions about their ability to contend at a high level in the NFC.
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The AFC North division is a tough, intense division in the NFL.
Steelers Still Need A Long-Term Quarterback Solution
Despite the ongoing discussions surrounding Rodgers potentially joining the Steelers, it's important to keep in mind that he is 41 years old, making him the oldest active player in the NFL. While Rodgers could provide short-term veteran leadership, he’s clearly not the long-term answer for Pittsburgh.
The organization appears to be thinking ahead, as seen in its decision to draft quarterback Will Howard in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, since Howard was selected in the later rounds, his future role with the team remains uncertain.
The Steelers are already setting their sights on the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to take place in their own backyard, right in Pittsburgh. The team has been collecting draft capital, both through recent trades and potential compensatory picks. With the 2026 quarterback class already being projected as stronger than the 2025 group, there's growing anticipation around which prospect the Steelers might target as their long-term franchise quarterback.
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