The Steelers could make the ultimate Aaron Rodgers-appeasing decision in the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hot on the pre-draft scouting trail. After checking out the talent on hand at Alabama's Pro Day, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan made their way to Columbus for Ohio State's Pro Day on Wednesday. All the while, the drama with Aaron Rodgers continues to play out.
On Wednesday, as Ohio State draft prospects were getting ready for athletic testing and drills, ESPN's Adam Schefter expressed that he's hearing Rodgers 'might not want to play' and is considering retirement. This is a bad sign for a team like the Steelers in desperate need for a quarerback who could lead the charge in 2025.
While the arrow has been pointed at the defensive line in the first round for Pittsburgh, the Steelers' interest at Ohio State's Pro Day suggests they could roll out the red carpet for Rodgers in a way that the Green Bay Packers never did.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could select a wide receiver in Round 1 of the NFL Draft to appease Aaron Rodgers
During Ohio State's Pro Day, Tomlin and Khan kept a watchful eye on standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka during drills. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported that Pittsburgh's brass held a meeting with Egbuka on Tuesday—a clear indication there is interest on the Steelers' part.
Even after trading for DK Metcalf, drafting a Round 1 wide receiver is still on the table. Egbuka is projected to go somewhere between the late teens and early twenties in the first round, and he could be available at pick 21 for Pittsburgh.
Just like Tomlin reportedly assured Russell Wilson that he would be the starter after trading for Justin Fields, the Steelers could sweeten the looming deal with Aaron Rodgers by promising him something the Packers never did for him: a first-round receiver.
If Rodgers ultimately decides to ink a contract with Pittsburgh, he will want to finish his career on a high note. This means having every possible weapon at his disposal. If not Emeka Egbuka, the Steelers may be willing to target a first-round receiver like Texas' Matthew Golden or Missouri's Luther Burden III.
Of course, a draft decision of this magnitude could be accompanied by a George Pickens trade. If the Steelers were willing to go with a first-round receiver to pair with Metcalf, Pickens—who is gearing up for the final season of his rookie contract—could be traded to recoup some draft capital.
This is a long shot, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If the Pittsburgh Steelers feel like they can save their 2025 season and capitalize on a window by appeasing Aaron Rodgers in the NFL Draft, they could do something for him the Packers never did.
