The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves facing a very uncertain situation at quarterback. With the regular season quickly approaching, fans are growing increasingly frustrated that the team has not addressed the most important position in football. Mason Rudolph is currently in line to start, while Will Howard and Skylar Thompson are set to compete for the backup job. It's not the kind of depth chart that inspires much confidence.
Everything could change if Aaron Rodgers decides to join the Steelers for the 2025 season. There have been growing signs that Rodgers may be leaning toward coming to Pittsburgh, and the speculation has only intensified in recent weeks. But with Organized Team Activities already underway and no official word from Rodgers, fans are starting to grow anxious about the uncertainty that continues to hang over the team.
Rodgers’ longtime former teammate James Jones appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Friday and added to the concern. Jones said even he is unsure what is causing the delay in Rodgers’ decision, and he understands why Steelers fans are getting nervous. With no clear answer yet, and the season creeping closer, Pittsburgh is left waiting and hoping that the future Hall of Famer will soon make his plans known.
"I mean that is huge, man," Jones said. "I think that’s just the main thing that I kinda wish he was there already, because just being able to build that chemistry with the guy. Playing with Aaron Rodgers, man, chemistry is everything, man. Not only that, but Aaron is such a perfectionist in practice. I mean, he wants it perfect in practice. He wants the chemistry to be perfect in practice. When you watch the film with him."
Jones was answering a question about how much of a problem it is that Rodgers still is not on the Steelers roster as OTAs have kicked off. Being very familiar with Rodgers, Jones made it clear that the delay is a real issue.
He explained that while Rodgers can learn a new offense quickly, his absence is already costing the Steelers time to build team chemistry, which Jones said is incredibly important for a team trying to find its identity. Especially considering how well Jones knows Rodgers and the way he prefers to operate within an offense.
"That’s all the stuff that they are missing out on right now, chemistry-wise," Jones said. "That’s a big piece of what they are missing right now is that chemistry. The longer it goes, the less time they get to build on that."
The Steelers made a major splash this offseason by trading for superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf, hoping to give their next quarterback a true game-breaking weapon. Rodgers and Metcalf even worked out together during the offseason, which only fueled speculation that a deal with Pittsburgh was already in motion. Their chemistry on the field looked promising, and fans have been quick to connect the dots. Still, no matter how strong the signs appear, Rodgers has not publicly committed to anything.
While most around the league believe Rodgers will eventually end up in Pittsburgh, nothing is guaranteed. He remains one of the most polarizing figures in sports, and even some of the most well-connected NFL insiders admit they have no idea what he’s planning. The longer the wait drags on, the more pressure builds on the Steelers to prepare for life without him.
Steelers Will Wait But Are Ready To Move Forward
If Rodgers chooses not to come, the Steelers will go into the season with Rudolph as their starting quarterback. It’s not the outcome fans were hoping for, but it is the current reality as long as Rodgers remains undecided. Pittsburgh has no plans to rush him, but they also can't afford to stand still forever.
Even at 41 years old, Head Coach Mike Tomlin believes Rodgers gives the Steelers their best chance to win in 2025. Despite winning just five games with the New York Jets last season, Rodgers still brings elite experience, leadership, and the ability to change a franchise’s direction. The ball is now in his court, and the Steelers are ready to adjust based on whatever decision he makes.
