Aaron Rodgers still undecided as Steelers wait—NFL insider reveals what’s really holding up the 2025 move

As the NFL draft looms closer, all eyes remain fixed on one veteran quarterback whose future is still hanging in the balance—Aaron Rodgers. Despite the buzz at the recent NFL Annual Meeting, the four-time MVP remains unsigned, with only one team now seriously in the mix: the Pittsburgh Steelers. And as time ticks toward the April 24–26 draft, the likelihood of a Rodgers-Steelers union appears stronger than ever.

The situation has reached a point where Aaron Rodgers’ next move is less about whether he’ll return to football, and more about where—and that "where" seems to be Pittsburgh. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, everything is pointing toward the Steel City. “There’s a lot of positive momentum between Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, it seems like that’s the most likely place by far, he just hasn’t come out and said it yet,” Rapoport noted on Good Morning Football.

While retirement remains a theoretical option, Rapoport made it clear that it doesn’t seem likely. What’s more certain is the patience being shown by the Steelers’ leadership. Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have stayed composed, fully aware of what Rodgers could bring to a team that saw inconsistency at the quarterback position last season. “Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan all sort of said the same thing. They love him, they would welcome him, they want him. They haven’t put a deadline on it yet, and they’re waiting. That’s really where we are,” Rapoport explained.
From a practical standpoint, Pittsburgh's window to wait is quickly closing. Should Rodgers not commit before the draft, the Steelers will likely have no choice but to target a quarterback with one of their picks. Even so, there’s a sense that the front office is preparing for Rodgers to slide right in, should he confirm his desire to play in 2025. “There are no other spots, so if Aaron Rodgers is going to play football in 2025, it’s going to be for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Rapoport added.

The Minnesota Vikings, once speculated as a potential landing spot, are moving forward with rookie J.J. McCarthy, leaving Pittsburgh as the lone realistic option for Rodgers.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated further highlighted the Steelers’ quiet confidence. "They don’t seem overly stressed about it not happening," he wrote, referencing Rodgers' extended six-hour meeting with team leadership in March and his workout session with newly acquired wideout DK Metcalf. Rodgers’ chemistry with Metcalf and his football discussions with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith suggest more than just a casual flirtation—it’s preparation.
In the background, the Steelers continue to shore up their quarterback room. They’ve retained Mason Rudolph as a steady backup and signed both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, though neither is seen as a long-term answer. The fact that Fields was benched last season and Wilson stumbled in his final outings only underscores why Rodgers, even at 41, is seen as a significant upgrade.
As it stands, the path forward is clear. Unless Rodgers has a sudden change of heart or Pittsburgh unexpectedly pulls out, the next chapter of his storied career appears ready to be written in black and gold. An announcement could come any day—but when it does, few will be surprised.
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