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Aaron Rodgers still searching for a team as NFL Draft approaches, with Steelers emerging as likely destination
With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, Aaron Rodgers remains teamless. The four-time MVP has watched potential opportunities with the Vikings and Giants slip through his fingers, leaving the Steelers as his most logical landing spot.
Both sides have shown interest in each other, but Rodgers hasn’t pulled the trigger yet.
This shouldn’t surprise anyone who’s followed Rodgers’ career. He loves the spotlight — whether he’s ranting on Pat McAfee’s show or dragging out his free agency decision. While retirement talk swirls, it seems more likely he’s holding out hope for a better opportunity. The problem? Those teams already have better quarterbacks.
Steelers’ draft strategy won’t revolve around Rodgers
As this staring contest continues, Pittsburgh sits with the 21st overall pick in the draft. GM Omar Khan has plenty of options — defensive reinforcements, running back upgrades, or another attempt at fixing the offensive line. He might even target Rodgers’ eventual replacement, regardless of whether the 41-year-old veteran has signed or not.
Khan’s approach seems clear: take the best player available rather than forcing a pick to fill a specific need.
“Our goal is always to put ourselves in a position where we don’t have to take a guy at a specific position,” Khan explained on the Steelers’ official YouTube account. “I feel like we’ve added some key pieces to what we’re trying to accomplish. This draft has some really good players that can help us at various positions.”
While this sounds like typical GM talk, Rodgers’ shadow looms large over every Steelers decision.
Currently, Mason Rudolph stands as Pittsburgh’s only QB — a known quantity with limited playoff experience. Free agency options are dwindling fast.
Unlike some teams that might avoid drafting a quarterback while pursuing a veteran like Rodgers, Pittsburgh seems willing to consider all options. Khan could easily justify selecting Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at 21 if they view him as the best available talent — even if that complicates the Rodgers situation.
The timing matters.
Dart’s final season with the Rebels was impressive by any standard. He topped the SEC in completion percentage (69.3%) and passing yards (4,279) while throwing for 29 touchdowns. He added nearly 500 yards and 3 scores on the ground. While Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders get more draft buzz, Dart has thrived against elite SEC competition for three years. Outside of Ward, you’d be hard-pressed to find better pure arm talent in this class.
If Pittsburgh drafts Dart after signing Rodgers, that’s one scenario. But if they take him while Rodgers remains unsigned? That’s another story entirely. Remember how Rodgers reacted when Green Bay drafted Jordan Love? He’s not exactly known for embracing the mentor role, and another “successor situation” might push him away from Pittsburgh altogether.
Draft analysts remain divided on Dart’s pro potential. Though not universally considered first-round material, quarterbacks typically get pushed up draft boards due to the position’s importance. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers target Dart as their potential franchise quarterback after years of post-Roethlisberger struggles — with or without Rodgers’ blessing.
