The Pittsburgh Steelers have entered into the sweepstakes for the 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This deal has been in the works for quite some time now, but nothing is official yet. Every single day, it seems like contradicting reports are coming out about the Steelers and Rodgers. With the Steelers' quarterback situation remaining uncertain for the 2025 season, it feels like all signs are pointing to Rodgers signing with the Steelers for the upcoming year. However, when that will happen remains to be seen.
As the Steelers continue to navigate their quarterback dilemma, the idea of Rodgers joining the team has gained significant momentum. Fans and analysts alike are speculating about the potential impact of such a move, with many believing Rodgers could bring the stability the Steelers need at quarterback for at least one season. Yet, the official word has yet to come, leaving room for uncertainty about whether the deal will actually come to fruition.
One NFL insider for The Athletic, Dianna Russini, spent Thursday on Fox Sports 1's The Herd with Colin Cowherd. During her time speaking with the popular media personality, she shared some new insight into what she believes is the holdup in the Rodgers-to-Pittsburgh deal. According to Russini, the issue may not be as straightforward as it seems, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation and leaving Steelers fans anxiously awaiting clarity on Rodgers’ future.
"When it comes down to it, usually it's money," Russini said. "Financials are always part of it. He does not need to sign and take some cheap deal. He knows the Steelers need him. Do I think he was going to be willing to take less to play for a team that he thinks is a Super Bowl-caliber team, like the Minnesota Vikings? Absolutely. But I think this situation is different. There's gonna be a number here, that's gonna make Aaron happy. And I just don't know if Pittsburgh is there yet."
Reports have indicated that the issue surrounding Rodgers' decision to join the Steelers isn't about money, and that the team has already presented a one-year deal. However, the holdup doesn't appear to be financial in nature.
Instead, Russini has speculated that the delay could be due to the leverage Rodgers currently holds in this situation. As one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the league, Rodgers' decision carries significant weight, and Russini believes this could be influencing the timing of the deal and the price.
"When you talk to people from Pittsburgh, they really give you the sense that this is all gonna work out," Russini said. "We're fine, you heard Mike Tomlin, I'm not panicked. He's having the direct communication with Rodgers and I believe Rodgers is telling him, 'We'll get there.'"
Whenever Tomlin has spoken about the uncertainty at the quarterback position, he has remained his usual cool, calm, and collected self. However, not everyone is buying into this composed demeanor.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has Seemed Very Confident About Aaron Rodgers
According to Russini, Tomlin's calmness could be attributed to the trust he and Rodgers have developed in their communication. Russini believes that Tomlin has placed his trust in Rodgers and likely feels confident that they already have a handshake deal in place, which is why he’s been so relaxed about the situation.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rodgers recently worked out with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, further fueling speculation about his potential move to Pittsburgh. While the idea of spending big money on a one-year deal for a 41-year-old quarterback was initially met with skepticism, the narrative is shifting. As the Steelers grow more desperate to find a solution at quarterback, they seem to view Rodgers as the missing piece that could give them a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run in 2025. The risk is enormous, but so is the potential reward.
