The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has become one of the most widely discussed storylines in the NFL. With no clear starting quarterback currently in place, the team faces uncertainty at arguably one of the most crucial positions in all of football. Much of the speculation centers around the Steelers being considered front-runners to land veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers would bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to Pittsburgh, but his potential arrival has already stirred controversy and debate among fans and analysts alike.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown during a home game in the 2024 NFL season.
Reports indicate that the Steelers have already extended an offer to Rodgers and are now just waiting for his decision. In the meantime, speculation has been swirling about why Rodgers is delaying his commitment to Pittsburgh.
Recently, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat session, giving fans a chance to ask questions. When asked about the holdup in Rodgers’ decision, Dulac offered his insight.
"The holdup has NOTHING to do with contract," Dulac wrote. "It's the same. He told them he would take his time and he is, and they told him they are willing to wait, and they are."
It feels like ages have passed since the initial reports first linked Rodgers to the Steelers. Since then, the topic has remained one of the most talked-about storylines surrounding the team, yet nearly every update has had the same message: there’s still no real update. The ongoing uncertainty and lack of concrete developments have left many Steelers fans feeling frustrated, disappointed, and even a bit misled, as if they’ve been strung along during a process that seems to be dragging on without resolution.
It’s not just Rodgers drawing criticism either. Steelers fans have also expressed frustration with how the front office has managed the entire situation. Despite the growing scrutiny, the front office has maintained a composed and confident demeanor, consistently indicating they believe Rodgers will ultimately sign. Steelers President and Owner Art Rooney II has even publicly stated that the team is willing to wait a bit longer, further reinforcing their belief in the veteran quarterback. At this point, it appears the Steelers have gone all-in on Rodgers, placing the team’s immediate future totally hoping that he chooses Pittsburgh.
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Steelers President and Owner Art Rooney II talking on the sidelines.
While the repeated “no updates” have certainly tested fans’ patience, Dulac did provide at least some clarity by suggesting that the holdup isn’t related to the contract itself. However, this insight still doesn’t reveal the full picture, leaving the actual reason behind the delay open to speculation. With so little confirmed information, fans are left to fill in the gaps on their own. Among the many questions surrounding Rodgers, the most pressing one seems to be his level of commitment, whether he truly wants to dedicate himself to a franchise as storied and tradition-rich as the Steelers.
Steelers Have Backup Options If Rodgers Doesn't Sign
If Rodgers ultimately decides not to sign with the Steelers, despite all the buzz and mounting pressure surrounding the situation, the team still isn’t without options. As things currently stand, if the regular season kicked off today, Mason Rudolph would most likely be the starting quarterback. Brought back this offseason after spending a year with the Tennessee Titans, Rudolph initially returned to Pittsburgh in a backup role. However, with no commitment from Rodgers, Rudolph now finds himself with valuable opportunities to prove himself.
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Mason Rudolph prepares for a pass during Steelers' training camp.
It’s not as if Rudolph is new to playing in the league. Despite primarily serving as a backup, he’s stepped in for the Steelers during several critical moments over the years. In fact, Rudolph has helped lead the team to some key victories, earning him a level of respect and even fan-favorite status among parts of the fan base. Still, concerns remain, as many fans question whether Rudolph has the consistency and skill needed to lead the team effectively over the course of a full season.
As the entire league continues to wait on Rodgers' decision, Rudolph has essentially stepped into the role of the starting quarterback for now. With offseason programs recently getting underway and Rodgers still absent, Rudolph is taking all the starting reps in practice. In a recent interview with Steelers media, Rudolph shared that he’s focused on making the most of every opportunity he gets, emphasizing his desire to keep learning, improving, and contributing however he can.
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