The Pittsburgh Steelers have found their quarterback, or at least, the quarterback they'd prefer to welcome before pivoting back to veteran Russell Wilson.
Aaron Rodgers, at 41 years old, is the hottest name left on the open market at quarterback. It seems like the Steelers will join the New York Giants as finalists for his services.
On Friday, Rodgers visited Pittsburgh, joining head coach Mike Tomlin and key officials as they explored a contract. He left without a deal, but that doesn't mean one won't come in a matter of days or weeks.
According to Mike Florio, the Steelers are a "safe bet" to sign Rodgers. But are they a safe bet to improve with him under center?
"Regardless, the signs are pointing to Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh for 2025. Could it change? Yes. Again, it's a ‘safe bet' it won't," Florio wrote.
"It remains to be seen when the announcement will be made. If only there were an event coming up next month in Pittsburgh featuring the guy whose show Rodgers appears on every Tuesday during football season."
Translation: ESPN's Pat McAfee must be making a Steel City appearance in April.
Rodgers and his predecessor, Wilson, were similarly productive in 2024. With the New York Jets, Rodgers averaged 229 yards per game and 6.7 yards per attempt; Wilson logged 225 yards per game and 7.5 yards per attempt. Both threw touchdowns on 4.5 percent of their passes and interceptions on fewer than two percent of them.
More than anything, Rodgers is a new answer to the same problem that has haunted the Steelers: quarterback purgatory.
Related: Russell Wilson Sends 2-Word Message To Steelers About Aaron Rodgers
He was below average in New York, as was Wilson in Pittsburgh. His best days are obviously behind him, but "good football" might be a thing of the past, too. But the Pittsburgh faithful haven't seen what Rodgers looks like with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and there's upside in the unknown.
Rodgers and Wilson are similar players at this point – limited passers who are more likely to be elevated by the supporting cast than the other way around.
Florio doesn't see it that way, touting Rodgers as the best thing around here since Big Ben.
Luckily for Rodgers, receiver DK Metcalf was acquired in March, making Pittsburgh more potent now than it was at any point in 2024. Rodgers copy-and-pasted onto last year's squad probably doesn't move the needle, but there's reason to believe in some additional offensive upside if a deal ultimately comes to fruition.
Still, Rodgers' baggage and moodiness and fading talent make this "bet," all things considered, a fatally flawed one and something shy of "safe."
Related: How Will Steelers Use Only Early Pick?
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This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 1:33 PM.