Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Gives His Honest Opinion About The Possibility of Aaron Rodgers To Pittsburgh In 2025

With the 2025 offseason starting earlier for the Pittsburgh Steelers than they had hoped, it gives them a head start in planning out their roster for the upcoming season. With the biggest question mark being their quarterback, the rumors are just piling up. With the end of the 2024 season highlighted with the poor play of Russell Wilson, many are starting to believe that the Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan will be looking outside of the building for their next quarterback. One of the bigger names being thrown around is Aaron Rodgers, who Tomlin seems to make googly eyes with every time he sees him on the field. Rodgers could be the Steelers' new answer as their next bridge quarterback, but Ben Roethlisberger isn't thrilled about the idea.

On the latest episdoe of the Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, Roethlisberger talked about Rodgers' unknown future in the NFL, whether if he calls it quit this season, or comes back, just where will he call home in 2025. Roethlisberger has heard the rumors about Rodgers being a possibility for the Steelers next year and he doesn't think it's a fit for them. 

"Is Aaron going to play anymore, I mean there's rumors of him coming to Pittsburgh," said Roethlisberger. "Which I don't think it's a good move for the Steelers. I don't think that's what you want. I don't think you want a guy for like a one year Band-Aid just because if you think that you are just a quarterback away, then you go try and find a quarterback that you think can take you over the top."

While Rodgers is likely a first ballot Half of Famer with the resume that he has already accumulated, Roethlisberger's reasoning of not wanting Rodgers in Pittsburgh is more of the fit than the skill. He knows that Rodgers could still have some left in the tank, but with how Wilson was getting sacked this past season, it's not a match that can work in his opinion. 

"Listen, Aaron is going to go down as one of the best quarterbacks to every play the game," said Roethlisberger. "He is a first ballot Hall of Famer, he is everything you want, but I don't know that he fits here because you saw what happened. I mean Russ can move better than Aaron and Russ couldn't get away from some sacks this year. I think if he came here, he would have to learn a new system again. He wouldn't have anybody to throw the ball to."

If the Steelers go with Rodgers next season, they could face the same difficulties they faced at the end of this season. With the lack of mobility from Rodgers, sacks could kill drives for the Steelers in 2025 as it did this season. It sounds like Roethlisberger wants the Steelers to trust a quarterback that can move and extend plays. Good thing the Steelers may know a guy that fits that mold and got a small sample size in person with Justin Fields. 

Rodgers' time with the New York Jets hasn't been what he had hoped for. His first season ended before it really got started with his Achilles injury in his very first game as a Jet. This past season, the Jets struggled to string together wins, even with the addition of Davante Adams. A new home may be the answer for Rodgers as he tries to win one last Super Bowl before riding off into the sunset. The interest between Tomlin and him could be enough to bring him in, but the negatives have to be looked at before the Steelers organization believes he is the guy to lead them to a deep playoff push.

Steelers Need To Find Their Quarterback Of The Future And Not Another Bridge Quarterback

The Steelers are in need of stability at the quarterback position. They have seen multiple starters since the retirement of Roethlisberger and still are searching. Tomlin does believe that Fields could be the answer, saying he has done enough this past season to earn the same treatment that Wilson got last summer. Tomlin and Khan know that the 2025 year is a make it or break season for them with the lack of playoff success in recent memory. 

Roethlisberger doesn't want to see Pittsburgh go after another bridge quarterback this offseason, but challenges the front office to find their guy and let him marinate with the organization for longer than a year or two.