Most NFL reporters have been under the impression for weeks that four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has told the Pittsburgh Steelers verbally that he intends to play for them in 2025.
Rodgers’ personal biographer Ian O’Connor even said as much last month during an interview with 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh.
“I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], ‘Listen, I’m going to play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues. I’m pretty sure they’re going to be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all,’” O’Connor said.
Many believe the Steelers’ passing on multiple quarterbacks in the first few rounds of the 2025 NFL draft before selecting Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round was a clear sign they believe Rodgers gave them that verbal confirmation he’ll be there come next season.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right).
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
However, during a recent appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently reported that isn’t exactly the case.
“I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,” Pelissero said. “Certainly all the indications, if you look at it logically, are that he’s coming based on his comments about, ‘There’s a team that plays in Chicago (this year) that I might play for,’ ‘I’m not playing in New Orleans.’
“He took one visit, he’s been throwing with DK Metcalf, he talks all the time with (head coach) Mike Tomlin, I know he’s talked with (offensive coordinator) Arthur Smith. There’s all these signs that he’s coming but he’s not affirmatively said, ‘Hey, June 9, book me the ticket, I’m coming in and I’m going to join this team.’ That has not happened as of this point.”
Rodgers announced on the “Pat McAfee Show’ that he’s been dealing with matters in his personal life that have prevented him from 100% committing to the Steelers right now.
But because Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has shown his willingness to wait on Rodgers, some analysts believe the 41-year-old QB could be taking advantage of the situation.
“Yes, they’re operating as if the guy is going to be there, but every day that goes by, you just have that sense of A- what’s the holdup? Why does it have to be like this?” Pelissero continued. “And B- is it possible that one of the most unique people in the NFL in the modern era ends up making a unique U-turn at the end of this thing?”
