NFL Insider: Steelers ‘Might Regret’ Aaron Rodgers-Influenced Draft Decision

It was bold of the Pittsburgh Steelers to take the approach they did during last week’s 2025 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh knew its biggest need — a starting quarterback — hadn’t been filled. The franchise was linked to Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, and even when the 23-year-old fell beyond the first 20 selections, the Steelers still passed on the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. It was surprising, but it also spoke volumes about where Pittsburgh stands as the organization remains committed to its ongoing pursuit of free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

It’s a bold stance to take considering Mason Rudolph is the current favorite to start, and it’s a decision that might not age well for the Steelers once the season rolls around either.

“The Steelers were disciplined in their approach to the draft, filling their most pressing needs with good value picks that will reinforce the team’s physical identity,” ESPN’s Brooke Pryor wrote. “In making those picks, the Steelers passed on other quarterback options and waited to select Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round. That move clearly pays off if Rodgers fills the final quarterback spot, but if he doesn’t, the Steelers might regret the decision to wait until Day 3 to take a signal-caller.”

Rolling the dice has been the ongoing theme of Pittsburgh’s offseason. The Steelers refused to retain Justin Fields or Russell Wilson and also passed on several other starter-caliber quarterbacks, likely to keep Rodgers’ interest intact. The front office even swung a major trade to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, and extended the two-time Pro Bowler to a five-year, $150 million extension on the spot.

That’s great, but it’s also meaningless if Pittsburgh doesn’t have a starting quarterback. Rodgers is notorious for poor communication, and that doesn’t bode well for a team like the Steelers that hasn’t won a playoff game in nine years, suffered a catastrophic five-game losing streak to end its most recent season and hasn’t had a reliable quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger, who retired three years ago.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is going to have a difficult time getting the team back in contention unless the franchise gets a response from Rodgers or pivots and does what’s best for itself. There’s still time this offseason, however, Pittsburgh has done itself a massive disservice by giving Rodgers all the power and leverage to potentially shatter the team’s hopes in bouncing back next season, as a 41-year-old post-prime quarterback.

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