As the 2025 NFL Draft chugs along, Aaron Rodgers’ decision continues to loom over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While there have been no publicly announced hard deadlines on a decision from either side, it seems like things are nearing a conclusion soon.
“We’re still kind of getting the same signals we’ve been getting recently that he does want to come here,” Rooney said via Steelers Nation Radio just before Day 2 of the draft began. “I do think we may get word soon obviously with things starting to crank up here with the offseason program, etc. If he’s coming, [we] would like to get him here soon for some of that.”
Mike Tomlin originally said his “line of demarcation” was the start of training camp and took a more relaxed stance, which he has since walked back a bit. But the last time we heard from Rooney, he said they wouldn’t wait for Rodgers forever. Josina Anderson and Dianna Russini put out reports over the past few days that indicate the team has been in communication with Rodgers this week and may have even put a soft deadline during the NFL Draft.
Obviously the draft is already underway, but it continues to feel like the Steelers are ramping up pressure on a decision.
Rodgers made it clear during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that teams are free to move on without him if they are on an accelerated timeline. However, it seems like the Steelers are his one and only landing spot remaining. In other words, if he wants to play football in 2025 for perhaps his final season, he has to play ball.
The Steelers’ offseason workouts started earlier this week, but the first offseason training activities will begin on May 27. Those are optional, but I would think the Steelers prefer to have a new quarterback there for all possible optional practices to accelerate the offense’s cohesion. The first mandatory sessions begin on June 10.
While Rooney also said Rodgers didn’t influence their decision to pass on QB Shedeur Sanders, they only have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster. They have essentially gone all-in on Aaron Rodgers. It sounds like that will finally come to fruition soon.
