The Pittsburgh Steelers are just four days away from beginning OTA offseason workouts, and they’re still waiting on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The 41-year-old four-time MVP has taken his time in deciding whether or not he wants to play next season, but if he does, it seems the Steelers are his only option at this point after the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns addressed their QB needs in drafting Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, and Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, respectively.
And though the Steelers drafted Ohio State national championship-winning QB Will Howard in the sixth round, it’s clear the team eyes him as more of a developmental passer of the future rather than an immediate solution in 2025, and some are convinced their drafting of Howard all but confirms Rodgers will sign with them at some point.
Rodgers also seemingly confirmed as much during a public appearance in Austin, Texas on Friday when he was asked by a young fan if we would consider signing with the Chicago Bears — a team Rodgers is quite familiar with from his 18-year run with the Green Bay Packers.
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“No, but I believe there's a team that [I might sign with that] might play in Chicago this year…a road trip,” Rodgers replied. “…I love Chicago, though, way more than they love me. It's been a great relationship, all one way.”
For those wondering, the Steelers travel to Chicago on Nov. 23 for a Week 12 matchup against the Bears.
It’s not known when Rodgers plans to make his final decision about playing next season, but he seemingly revealed the reason for the delay in his decision during an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” last month.
“I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention,” Rodgers said. “I have personal commitments I have made. I have a couple of people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some difficult stuff. So, I have a lot of things that are taking my attention.”
The Steelers have OTAs May 27-29 and June 3-5 before transitioning to mandatory minicamp June 10-12 and then training camp in late July.