The Aaron Rodgers “will he, won’t he” saga with the Pittsburgh Steelers has rolled on for much of the 2025 NFL offseason. The 20-year veteran recently spent time at the team’s facility but left without a contract. That led his former teammate to predict the quarterback wouldn’t sign with any team before the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, things may be changing for Rodgers, who held a throwing session with new Steelers receiver DK Metcalf.
Aaron Rodgers Works Out With DK Metcalf, Could Sign With Steelers Soon
The free agent quarterback market hasn’t been overly strong this offseason, with Sam Darnold landing the biggest contract of the class. Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Daniel Jones joined new teams as well, but Rodgers remains unsigned with only one real suitor.
The New York Jets released the four-time MVP after signing him to a three-year, $112.5 million contract in 2023. However, Rodgers’ time in New York was a disaster — he suffered a complete Achilles tear just four plays into the 2023 opener, and the Jets finished 5-12 in 2024.
He threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions — making 2024 one of the worst statistical seasons in the 10-time Pro Bowler’s career.
Pittsburgh has needed a long-term quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired but has consistently missed out on top QB prospects due to picking late in the first round. The team is in that situation again this year, holding the 21st overall selection, but Rodgers would be a short-term solution.
Despite no deal being in place, Rodgers reportedly held a private throwing session with Metcalf that could help seal the deal for Pittsburgh. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the workout from the NFL’s annual meeting.
From @gmfb: Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf had a throwing session over the weekend, another step in the process for Rodgers as he evaluates the #Steelers’ interest in him. pic.twitter.com/BFIzj6LGun
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)
Garafolo said, “The exact quote from Mike Tomlin was, ‘There is no substitute for intimacy.’ Look, it is a process for Aaron Rodgers, and my understanding is the latest step in the process was over the weekend at UCLA — he threw to DK Metcalf. They did have a throwing session, the two of them together, according to sources informed of that workout.
“So, Rodgers is going through the process and checking all the boxes, and I assume it was a good throwing session there with him and Metcalf. So, we’ll see if that leads to him saying, ‘You know what, I’m fully in. I like that guy. I like that target right there.’”
Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan reportedly weighed in on the throwing session between the two stars as well.
Omar Khan on the report Aaron Rodgers had a throwing session with DK Metcalf over the weekend: “I wasn't there but that's good if that did happen, I’d say that.”
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor)
The Steelers traded for Metcalf and quickly gave him a four-year, $132 million extension with $80 million fully guaranteed. It was a bold move by the team, as Mason Rudolph was the only quarterback under contract at the time of the trade.
Pittsburgh doesn’t want to head into 2025 with Rudolph as its starter. Signing Rodgers makes sense for both sides, but until it happens, the saga will continue.
