Rodgers Goes Quiet, Steelers Forced to Rethink Quarterback Hunt
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in the middle of an unexpected drama as the 2025 NFL Draft steps into the spotlight. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers—once the hottest name circling Pittsburgh—has fallen off the radar. Ever since his talk on The Pat McAfee Show back in April, where he mused publicly about retiring, communication from Rodgers has gone dry. No phone calls. No updates. Just a whole lot of waiting and guessing.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, who's never been one for unnecessary panic, tried to put fans at ease. He said the team isn’t letting Rodgers’ indecision change their draft priorities. But let’s face it, when your potential future quarterback won't answer the phone, you can't stick to business as usual forever. The front office is watching their options shrink as the first round draws closer, and holding the No. 21 pick isn’t exactly the best seat in the lottery.
Experts Urge Steelers to Look Ahead—Not Back
The radio silence from Rodgers created fresh urgency. Suddenly, all eyes turned to the draft—and not just the fans'. Pittsburgh’s scouts brought in some of the most-watched young quarterbacks this year: Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, and Kyle McCord. They weren’t just window shopping either. The team got serious about meeting these prospects, sending a clear message that Rodgers isn’t the only name on the board.
NFL insider Josina Anderson didn’t mince words. She openly urged the Steelers to move on from Rodgers. Her reason? The constant back-and-forth wasn’t just risky, it threatened to derail the locker room if the situation dragged on. Anderson floated dramatic alternatives, from drafting a player in the first round to making bold moves like calling a retired legend—yes, even Tom Brady’s name got tossed in the mix. It may sound wild, but when your starting QB’s status is a mystery, nothing gets left off the table.
While Tomlin keeps repeating that nothing about Rodgers will shake the team's quarterback plans for the draft, contending teams don’t have the luxury of waiting too long. As the draft kicks off this weekend, expect Pittsburgh to make a move—maybe a risky one, maybe a safe bet, but definitely not a passive wait-and-see. The message here is loud and clear: it’s time for the Steelers to focus on players who actually want to be in Pittsburgh, not just in the headlines.