As the 2025 NFL free agency period begins, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an unexpected quarterback option to consider. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a four-time MVP has emerged as a possible candidate to lead the team under center. This development comes as the Steelers continue discussions with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, both of whom started games for Pittsburgh last season.
NFL Insider Reports Steelers Are Interested in Aaron Rodgers
Schefter revealed that while Pittsburgh is still considering bringing back Fields or Wilson, a new option has surfaced.
“Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a quarterback option in Pittsburgh, per league sources. Rodgers and the Steelers are expected to talk and explore a union. The idea of Rodgers playing for Mike Tomlin is in play.”
Steelers continue talking to Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, but…Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a quarterback option in Pittsburgh, per league sources.
Rodgers and the Steelers are expected to talk and explore a union. The idea of Rodgers playing for Mike Tomlin is in play. pic.twitter.com/xxv0cbxDff
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Rodgers is set to become a free agent after the New York Jets announced they’d be moving on from him following two disappointing seasons. Despite leading the Jets to a 5-12 record in 2024, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. His brief time with the Jets was marked by injuries and inconsistency.
The former Offensive Player of the Year recorded the lowest passer rating of his career as a starter in 2024. Rodgers finished 21st in PFSN’s QB Rankings, with Ben Rolfe noting:
“Rodgers has a -0.02 EPA/DB (27th), ranks 36th from a clean pocket (0.07 EPA/DB), and has converted just 33.5% of the time on third down (29th). His 6.2 nYPA ranks 30th and is very low, considering he’s getting 5.8 YAC/Cp, which ranks ninth this season.”
Steelers’ Quarterback Situation
The Steelers face uncertainty at quarterback. Fields, who went 4-2 as a starter in 2024 (and was eight points away from going undefeated), is considering his options between the Steelers and Rodgers’ former team, the Jets.
Jordan Schultz reported that the Jets are high on Fields. Yet, he is waiting for clarity on the Jets’ proposal before making a decision, leaving Pittsburgh to explore other options. The New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts have also been mentioned as potential landing spots for Fields.
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Wilson, who took over for Fields and led Pittsburgh to the playoffs, ended the season on a five-game losing streak and performed worse in several key areas.
According to Rolfe, “Fields bettered Wilson in drive score percentage, red-zone efficiency, and turnover percentage. [Fields] wound up with a better overall score in PFSN’s QB+ metric for 2024.”
The Giants, Jets, Browns, Titans, and Vikings are all potential landing spots for the 10-time Pro Bowler.
How Signing Rodgers Impacts the Steelers
Signing Rodgers would pair the future Hall of Famer with Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing record in his 18 seasons as Pittsburgh’s head coach. Rodgers would also team up with newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf, who signed a five-year, $150 million deal after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks.
The potential Rodgers-Steelers pairing is seen as high-risk, high-reward. But despite the concerns, he remains one of the most experienced quarterbacks available in free agency. With an elite defense and a revamped offense, Rodgers could give Pittsburgh a shot at reclaiming the AFC North crown in an ultra-competitive division.