Aaron Rodgers' silence forces Steelers to rethink their QB future in NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft is here, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves navigating a complex quarterback conundrum, heightened by the continued silence of Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP has not communicated with the organization since he admitted he was still contemplating retirement on The Pat McAfee Show last Thursday. Despite touring the Steelers’ facilities back in March and claiming to be in touch, no further updates have reached Pittsburgh since his recent comments.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, “sources tell me Pittsburgh has not received further updates” following Rodgers’ public indecision. This radio silence is causing a growing sense of urgency inside the organization as they look to the future with uncertainty under center.

The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick in this year’s draft, and while speculation swirls around their quarterback situation, the front office insists they’re not hinging their strategy on Rodgers. Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan clarified on Tuesday that Rodgers' indecision will not steer the team’s draft direction.
Khan emphasized the flexibility in their approach, stating that “all options are on the table” regarding how they might fill the quarterback room. Currently, only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are under contract, and Khan noted that the team expects to double that number by training camp in July.
The Steelers hosted several quarterback prospects ahead of the draft, including top names like Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders. While the overall quarterback class isn’t regarded as particularly deep, Khan called it a “good group,” hinting that Pittsburgh could still find value in the position. Tomlin, meanwhile, was impressed by Sanders in particular, noting: “There’s a toughness there that doesn’t get talked about enough. There’s a competitive spirit there that doesn’t get talked about enough.”
Still, quarterback isn’t the only need. Pittsburgh has glaring holes to patch, especially along the defensive line. With 35-year-old Cam Heyward nearing the end of his illustrious career, the Steelers are expected to leverage a deep pool of defensive linemen in this draft. More than half of their 30 pre-draft visits focused on that position group.
The team also let former first-round running back Najee Harris walk in free agency, leaving Jaylen Warren to step up as the lead back. While Tomlin has expressed confidence in Warren’s ability to carry the load, Pittsburgh is widely expected to draft at least one more ball carrier.
Despite trading away their second-round pick for wide receiver DK Metcalf, Khan isn’t keen on packaging George Pickens to move up. “We’re glad we have George and DK here,” he said. “I think they’re going to be exciting for everyone to watch.”
For now, the Steelers appear content to build without clarity from Rodgers. When asked if Rodgers’ continued indecision might affect upcoming OTAs, Tomlin brushed it off, saying, “I hadn’t pondered those things to be quite honest with you.”
One thing is clear: Pittsburgh isn’t waiting on a decision that may never come.
Also Read: Aaron Rodgers wants Steelers to roll out red carpet but team’s silence sparks retirement rumors