Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Seemed To Leak That Signing With Pittsburgh Wasn't His Only Legitimate Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers were in the headlines everyday throughout the early portions of the 2025 offseason due to the organization's pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers took his time making a decision as he did not sign with the team until the saga went on for nearly three months. Pittsburgh first expressed interest in the quarterback at the start of free agency, but Rodgers didn't sign a contract until June 6th. He was still weighing the possibility of retirement, while he also dealt with some personal things going on in his life.

Rodgers' free agency saga began with three teams involved. Those teams were the Steelers, the New York Giants, and the Minnesota Vikings. It became clear quickly that the Giants were not a real option as a preference for the four-time league MVP, and the Vikings seemed like a possibility because of the inexperienced second-year quarterback in JJ McCarthy (along with Rodgers' existing relationship with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell). The Vikings have stated that they are looking to move forward with McCarthy, which many figured would make them not an option for Rodgers. The quarterback did a live question and answer with Mike. on May 30th in Phoenix, Arizona, and he was asked about whether he would play for the Vikings or the Steelers.

"Both great organizations," Rodgers said. "Great head coaches. Yeah, I actually texted with both of them today."

This event took place one week before Rodgers signed with the Steelers. He revealed that he had texted both O'Connell and Head Coach Mike Tomlin on the day of the event, which is interesting. It had seemed like the Steelers were the only option for Rodgers for the last month or so, but now it seems like the Vikings could have been a possibility.

Throughout the entire process of free agency before Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh, it always seemed like the Vikings were the biggest threat to the Steelers. This was obvious, as the Vikings have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, and O'Connell has emerged has one of the best offensive head coaches in the NFL. He revived Sam Darnold's career in 2024, and he certainly could have helped Rodgers end his career on a high note in Minnesota. Now, Rodgers will have to try to do that in Pittsburgh, as Minnesota was not totally interested.

The Vikings are looking to move forward as a franchise, and in order to do that, they need to get McCarthy on the field. He missed his entire rookie season due to injury, and having him sit behind Rodgers would likely waste another year. O'Connell has already proven himself as a sort of "quarterback whisperer," which means McCarthy can do without a year sitting behind a future Hall of Famer as a mentor.

Steelers Fans Were Misguided Near The End Of Rodgers' Free Agency Saga

For the last month or so before Rodgers signed with the Steelers, it seemed like the only two options for the quarterback were retirement or signing in Pittsburgh. However, that clearly was not the case if he was still in communication with the Vikings a week before signing his deal. This goes to show that fans will never truly know everything that is going on behind the scenes, and no matter what is being reported, there are always other things going on.

If Rodgers had the opportunity to sign in Minnesota, it's hard to imagine he would've passed it up. He could play on one of the most prolific offenses in the league, while also playing in a proficient offensive system. His team likely would've had a higher ceiling in Minnesota than he currently does in Pittsburgh, although he has the chance to bring the Steelers their first playoff win in nearly a decade.

What do you think about Rodgers talking with the Vikings so close before signing with Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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