The Pittsburgh Steelers have been widely seen as the frontrunners to secure quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The veteran, who boasts four MVP titles, was central to offseason conversations surrounding Pittsburgh’s evolving roster. However, a sudden development elsewhere in the league may complicate their pursuit.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on before a home game.
Carr’s Retirement Changes the Landscape
The New Orleans Saints now face a quarterback vacancy after Derek Carr unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional football. Citing persistent injury concerns, Carr stepped away from the game, leaving the Saints with limited experience at the game’s most critical position.
A Thin Quarterback Room in New Orleans
The Saints’ current quarterback options include Tyler Shough, selected in the second round of the 2025 draft, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Between them, Rattler and Haener have only seven NFL starts, making it clear the team lacks a dependable starting-caliber option heading into training camp. This has prompted calls across the league for the Saints to pursue a seasoned leader—Aaron Rodgers chief among them.
Fan Buzz Extends to the Betting Market
Rodgers' potential move has sparked intense speculation among fans and within betting communities. A swell in traffic to sportsbooks and the best real money casinos has accompanied the discussion, as bettors diversify their attention towards these platforms in the midst of predicting how quarterback movements could dictate odds for the Saints and Steelers. Rodgers' presence on either roster could impact everything from divisional race expectations to Super Bowl futures.
Why New Orleans Makes Sense for Rodgers
With a veteran-heavy roster that includes high-impact players like Alvin Kamara, Cam Jordan and Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints appear to be in a win-now window. Many analysts believe the team cannot afford a slow rebuild, making Rodgers a compelling fit. Adding him to the roster could maintain the Saints’ playoff competitiveness while also allowing a younger quarterback like Rattler to develop under guidance.
Rodgers’ Locker Room Presence Seen as an Asset
Rodgers has faced occasional criticism for his locker room presence; however, many in the league view him as someone who builds strong relationships with younger teammates. His time in Green Bay, where Jordan Love developed behind him, is often cited as proof of his value beyond on-field play—making him a strong candidate to mentor in a team balancing development with immediate goals.
Steelers’ Draft Strategy Signals Confidence
Despite the new competition from New Orleans and the long wait for a decision, the Steelers still appear confident about bringing Rodgers to Pittsburgh. Their approach during the 2025 NFL Draft reflects that strategy. Pittsburgh opted against selecting a quarterback with any of their top picks, bypassing notable names like Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough.
Only One Rookie Quarterback Selected
The Steelers eventually drafted Will Howard, a 24-year-old from Ohio, in the sixth round. Such a late-round selection suggests the franchise is not planning to rely on a rookie starter this season. This decision further implies that a deal for Rodgers may be closer than publicly confirmed.
Running Back Addition Reinforces the Plan
Instead of pursuing quarterback depth, the Steelers used their 83rd pick to select Kaleb Johnson, a running back out of Iowa. This choice indicates that the team may feel secure in its quarterback situation—either because they believe in Mason Rudolph or because negotiations with Rodgers are proceeding well.
Rodgers Viewed as Short-Term Bridge
The Steelers may not see Rodgers as a long-term fixture, but rather a stabilizing force to lead the team through the next couple of seasons. With a relatively young offensive core and a developing defense, Pittsburgh appears to be building around the idea of immediate competitiveness while postponing the selection of a franchise quarterback to a later date.
2026 Draft Capital Hints at Bigger Plans
If Pittsburgh does not land Rodgers or if the veteran underperforms, the team may already have a contingency in place. The Steelers currently possess 12 picks in the 2026 draft, including selections in every round and multiple picks in the third, fourth and sixth rounds. This draft capital positions them well to trade up for a top quarterback prospect should the need arise.
Saints Could Appeal with Structure and Stability
While Pittsburgh offers legacy and infrastructure, New Orleans provides an appealing alternative. The Saints have a stable coaching staff, a competitive defense and an NFC South division that is currently wide open. For Rodgers, who is nearing the twilight of his career, joining a team with immediate playoff potential could be an attractive move.
Pittsburgh’s Risk if Rodgers Walks
Failing to sign Rodgers could leave the Steelers exposed. Mason Rudolph remains the only quarterback on the roster with substantial experience and he has never been regarded as a top-tier starter. Will Howard, while promising, is not expected to be NFL-ready by Week 1. The absence of a veteran presence could limit Pittsburgh’s ability to contend, particularly with the rest of the AFC North featuring strong quarterback play.
New Orleans Faces a Fork in the Road
The Saints must now decide whether to trust the development of their young quarterbacks or pivot to a win-now approach. The retirement of Carr has made that question more urgent and Rodgers may represent the clearest path to remaining competitive without a lengthy rebuild. The Saints' existing personnel appear ready for one more serious playoff run, but they need a quarterback who can make that possible.
Time is Running Out
With mandatory minicamps approaching and training camp just weeks away, both franchises are under pressure to clarify their quarterback situations. Rodgers remains the focal point of that uncertainty. Whether he ultimately suits up in black and gold or heads to the Big Easy, his decision will ripple throughout the league—and may well determine which team stays in the playoff race and which begins to slide into transition.
