The anticipated resolution to the ongoing Aaron Rodgers situation is gaining traction within NFL circles. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, while there’s no hard deadline set, it’s reasonable to expect Rodgers to announce his plans by the time the NFL draft rolls around.
“I wouldn’t be shocked to hear an announcement from him in the coming weeks,” shared Rapoport during a segment on “Good Morning Football.”
Understandably, the timing here is crucial. If Rodgers doesn’t commit to the Steelers by late April, the team could be inclined to draft a quarterback, potentially shaking things up. In fact, they might draft a QB regardless, simply to cover their bases.
Recently, Pittsburgh entertained Ole Miss quarterback prospect Jaxson Dart. They’re contemplating picking him with their No. 21 slot. Should they be impressed enough with Dart, they might decide to draft him no matter Rodgers’ decision. However, knowing whether they’d have Rodgers on their squad would undoubtedly make the decision-making process smoother.
Options for Rodgers are narrowing, with the Steelers emerging as his most viable landing spot. Other teams like the Vikings have firmly committed to players like JJ McCarthy, and the Giants have moved forward, signing Russell Wilson—the Steelers’ mainstay QB from the previous season.
“Right now, there’s no opening for Rodgers in Minnesota as they are fully invested in JJ McCarthy,” stated Rapoport. “If Rodgers is to play in 2025, it seems inevitable that it’ll be with the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Since the Jets parted ways with Rodgers a month ago, the 41-year-old has been silent about his plans. Meanwhile, other quarterbacks in free agency have found their teams, yet Rodgers’ future remains a big question mark.
While the Steelers keep their eyes peeled on the market and brought back veteran Mason Rudolph as insurance, Rodgers is expected to be their main target.
“There’s been quite a buzz around this potential move,” said Rapoport. “At the recent NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Reid shared optimism about a possible agreement between the Steelers and Rodgers.”
Steelers owner Art Rooney II and other key figures, including head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, have expressed their eagerness to welcome Rodgers. They’re optimistic about the possibility but haven’t enforced a strict timeline, indicating a willingness to wait for his decision.
The idea of retirement lingers as a possibility for Rodgers, but it doesn’t seem like the most probable path.
“The thought of him retiring is there, sure, but it’s not the likeliest scenario,” noted Rapoport. Until Rodgers makes a definitive announcement, the NFL world holds its breath.
