The Pittsburgh Steelers are under fire for their drawn-out pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, a choice that has spurred critical discussions across the NFL. With Rodgers’ future still unclear, the franchise’s summer strategy has been dubbed risky and even foolish.
Rodgers, at 41, remains an enigmatic figure, with his decision-making timeline leaving Pittsburgh in limbo. Critics argue that relying on such an unpredictable veteran quarterback has put the team in a precarious position. The franchise’s lack of decisive action has left their quarterback room thin, creating uncertainty heading into the 2025 season.
This offseason, Pittsburgh has made minimal moves to address their quarterback depth, drafting Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round and retaining Mason Rudolph. Analysts view this as a gamble, particularly with Rodgers remaining noncommittal. The prolonged wait for Rodgers’ decision risks derailing the team’s preparations for mandatory minicamp in June.
NFL insiders have highlighted the team’s vulnerability, emphasizing the strain on their roster-building process. Rodgers’ history of skipping offseason programs and his unpredictable nature further complicate matters. Critics suggest Pittsburgh’s dependency on Rodgers is more about his name recognition than his recent performance, which has shown signs of decline.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Pursuit Named One of the Worst NFL Offseason Moves
Pittsburgh’s decision to pursue Rodgers was recently named one of the worst moves this offseason. This is detailed more in an analysis by Gary Davenport for Bleacher Report.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about playing in 2025 for weeks now. Folks are attempting to discern Rodgers’ plans from any kernel of information, with the latest being Rodgers joining a Pittsburgh-area golf club.
But at this point, former New York Giants vice president of player personnel Marc Ross told Nate Davis of USA Today that Rodgers has officially become more grief than he’s worth—before ever joining the team.
Pittsburgh’s decision has also been scrutinized in the context of broader league dynamics. With teams like the Jets struggling under similar circumstances last season, Pittsburgh’s approach appears fraught with potential pitfalls. Observers question whether the risk aligns with the team’s long-term goals, especially given Rodgers’ age and off-field priorities.
The Steelers now face mounting pressure to solidify their plans at quarterback. Whether Rodgers ultimately signs or not, Pittsburgh’s handling of the situation serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of balancing ambition with pragmatism in the ever-competitive NFL landscape.
