The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the only quarterbacks on the roster.
Even still, the team opted not to make a play for a passer early in the draft, opting to instead select Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round. Several mock drafts had the Steelers landing Shedeur Sanders, but the Colorado product ended up dropping to the fifth round and the Steelers passed multiple times.
This could mean the team is set on adding a veteran quarterback, as Aaron Rodgers has been linked to the team for weeks now.
The quarterback even visited with the team at its facility last month and there is rumored to be mutual interest in a pairing. The Steelers are one of the only teams that seemingly still needs a starting quarterback following the draft, so it makes sense.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports still believes Rodgers will end up in Pittsburgh. Regarding this potential fit, Benjamin offered the following:
This is a tired connection at this point, with Pittsburgh publicly teasing Rodgers' arrival for what's felt like months on end. Yet it remains the most logical play for a Steelers team currently projected to open 2025 with Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard under center, even if Rodgers is a rental at age 41.
As Benjamin pointed out, this connection just makes too much sense to not happen.
If Rodgers doesn't land in Pittsburgh, chances are it'll be because he retired. After all, there don't appear to be more suitors lining up for him at this point, and if there are, they likely won't be as good of a landing spot as Pittsburgh.
The Steelers managed to make the playoffs last year with mediocre quarterback play from Russell Wilson, so it's exciting to think about the team's ceiling with a quarterback like Rodgers.
While 2024 wasn't Rodgers' best season, it was still a fine campaign. The veteran threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the New York Jets one season after tearing his Achilles.
One of the best quarterbacks of his era, Rodgers has a Super Bowl victory, 10 Pro Bowls, and four MVPs on his resume. In Pittsburgh, Rodgers would have an elite coaching staff, solid offensive line, and impressive pass-catcher group headlined by D.K. Metcalf and George Pickens.
Rodgers isn't a long-term solution at 41. However, the quarterback instantly raises the team's ceiling in 2025 and could aid in the development of Will Howard, who could be in a position to take over after Rodgers leaves.
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
Steelers credited with one of the biggest steals of 2025 NFL draft
Steelers predicted to land Bears $80 million free agent star in post-draft signing
Steelers signing Super Bowl-winning wide receiver amid Aaron Rodgers wait