The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced significant scrutiny this offseason, not only for the moves they've already made, but also for those still in the works. One of the most pressing issues is the glaring void at the starting quarterback position. It's no secret that this has been a major concern for the team, and despite it already being June, there’s still no clear, certain answer as to who will fill this void when the regular season kicks off.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a regular season game.
It’s no secret that the Steelers are considered front-runners to land veteran free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but the team continues to wait for a decision from the future Hall of Famer. Reports indicate that the Steelers have already extended an offer to Rodgers and is now simply awaiting his response. This ongoing uncertainty has left many fans feeling frustrated and impatient.
In a recent chat session hosted by Steelers insider Gerry Dulac for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dulac revealed who would be held responsible if the Rodgers deal ultimately falls through.
"This is all about Mike Tomlin wanting Rodgers and waiting for him, but it still has to have the endorsement from on high," Dulac wrote.
Mike Tomlin has long been admired by fans and respected throughout the league, having achieved numerous impressive milestones during his time as head coach of the Steelers. He now holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured head coach across all four major American sports leagues, an extraordinary accomplishment, especially in a position with constant turnover. Beyond his remarkable longevity, Tomlin has also accomplished something few coaches have: he has never had a losing season. Under his leadership, the Steelers have managed to win at least half of their games every single year, a testament to his consistency and ability to keep the team competitive, regardless of the circumstances.
Despite Tomlin’s impressive track record, both he and the Steelers' front office are under heavy scrutiny for how they’ve managed the Rodgers situation. Reports have previously suggested that it was actually Tomlin who pushed for Rodgers to join the team, and Dulac confirms it, even though Steelers Owner and President Art Rooney II has been the most vocal publicly.
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Steelers President and Owner Art Rooney II looking on while on the sidelines during a game.
Now that offseason programs are in full swing, the players currently on the Steelers' roster are getting important reps; reps that Rodgers is missing out on. The Steelers’ front office has maintained a calm and patient tone, assuring that a decision is coming soon -- that it's just a "little while longer," but every day matters. While there’s still ample time for Rodgers to sign, these offseason workouts are critical for players, especially new players, even if they’re experienced veterans, to develop chemistry and get comfortable within the Steelers' system.
Steelers' Current Quarterback Room Has All Eyes On Them
Attention has shifted to who’s actually on the roster. If the season were to begin today, Mason Rudolph would likely be the starter. He returned to Pittsburgh this offseason after spending a year with the Tennessee Titans, initially expected to serve as a backup. However, based on how he's been practicing, Rudolph is currently operating as if he’s the starting quarterback, even though he knows and understands another guy is likely coming in.
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Steelers' Mason Rudolph hypes up the crowd in a home game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Another player drawing attention in the quarterback room is rookie Will Howard, who the Steelers selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While it's unlikely Howard will see playing time this season, as the team has been down that path before and likely wants to avoid repeating it, he's using this time to grow and develop. So far, Howard has been making the most of these early offseason programs, gaining valuable experience as he adjusts to the NFL level.
Do you think Rodgers will eventually sign with the Steelers? If Rodgers doesn't sign, whose fault is it? Let us know in the comments below!
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