It has been more than a week now, and free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the primary target for the Pittsburgh Steelers, still hasn’t decided where he intends to play next season.
It may take him some more time to reach a conclusion, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport suggested on The Insiders that Rodgers might delay his decision until the 2025 NFL Draft, set to start on April 24.
“I don’t feel that Rodgers is rushing in any way.” Might it extend all the way to the draft as it did two years prior? “Perhaps it could,” Rapoport mentioned on Monday.
Two years prior, it was evident that the Green Bay Packers were parting ways with Rodgers, and although the New York Jets emerged as his probable destination, the trade wasn’t finalized until the draft week.
Teams are currently establishing their draft boards, and since the Steelers and New York Giants are still seeking clarity from Aaron Rodgers, they might focus on selecting a quarterback earlier in the draft than they would if Rodgers were involved.
Considering that the Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick, it becomes somewhat less of an issue since a top player probably won’t be accessible. Even if they acquire Rodgers, selecting a rookie in the third or fourth round remains a possibility. However, if Rodgers decides before the draft and chooses New York over Pittsburgh, selecting a rookie will become a significantly higher priority.
Rodgers’ choice may also influence other quarterbacks on the free-agent market. Should Aaron Rodgers sign with another team, the Steelers may consider Russell Wilson, who started for them for a majority of the 2024 season, as a reserve option.
Nevertheless, Wilson might prefer not to delay finding a new residence until the end of April. The same applies to Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston, two quarterbacks who have met or will meet with the Giants.
Pittsburgh appears willing to bide its time regarding Rodgers’ choice, and the team has acquired Mason Rudolph, who seems to be a viable starter if necessary.
However, a conclusion to the Rodgers situation would assist them in strategizing the remainder of their roster construction for 2025, and the delay in his choice might create ripple effects in other areas regarding the free agent market and how the Steelers and Giants organize their offseason plans.