The NFL world is watching closely, but Aaron Rodgers hasn’t moved. The former MVP quarterback is working out, throwing passes with DK Metcalf, and staying in shape — but he is not signing with anyone. Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger thinks he knows why.
On his “Footbahlin” podcast, Big Ben offered his theory on Rodgers’ delay — and while he thinks Pittsburgh is very much in the mix, he also hinted that Rodgers may have another team on his mind. And in the process, Roethlisberger didn’t hold back from taking a subtle shot at his former squad.
Ben Roethlisberger: Aaron Rodgers Has Eyes on the NFC North
Though Roethlisberger believes Rodgers will ultimately land in Pittsburgh, he believes that the quarterback is holding out for greener pastures right now.
“I really believe that he’s going to be a Steeler,” Roethlisberger said. “However, the reason, in my opinion, that he hasn’t signed yet … everyone knows that Pittsburgh wants Aaron. But I think Aaron secretly — again, just my opinion — is still holding out for Minnesota, which is why he hasn’t signed with the Steelers.”
Rumors have been swirling that Rodgers is also considering the Minnesota Vikings, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t shot down the prospect. It would be a wild turn, but not unprecedented — ask Brett Favre. Roethlisberger’s theory is that Rodgers sees Minnesota as a more complete team and a better shot at another Super Bowl.
He then took a jab — albeit accurate — at the Steelers.
“I just think he thinks that Minnesota is a more complete, closer team to win a Super Bowl, and he might not be wrong,” Roethlisberger added.
Ben Roethlisberger still thinks Aaron Rodgers is holding out for the Vikings: “I just think he thinks that Minnesota is a more complete, closer team to win a Super Bowl, and he might not be wrong.” #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) April 2, 2025
If that is Rodgers’ thinking, he’s definitely not wrong.
Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, and there are no signs that’s changing—even if Rodgers, 41, is at the helm. The Steelers are in a fierce division, arguably the best in the NFL overall. Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens and Joe Burrows’ Cincinnati Bengals highlight the AFC North, and the Cleveland Browns could be drafting the face of the franchise later this month.
It’s worth noting that Rodgers’s workout with newly signed Steelers receiver DK Metcalf has raised fans’ and the media’s eyebrows.
“Why else would you go throw with DK and be working out and put it out, blast to everybody that I’m throwing to these guys, but you won’t sign?” he said.
Steelers Still Eyeing Quarterback in NFL Draft — Even If Rodgers Signs
Roethlisberger didn’t exactly hype up the current state of his former team, either. He seems to believe the team isn’t entirely sold on its quarterback room and that even if Rodgers comes to town, Pittsburgh is still likely to draft a quarterback.
“I love the Steelers. They’re like, We don’t need to know right now, and they probably don’t because there’s not like there’s a lot of other options. But, I would think at some point, you gotta be like, ‘Hey, you need to let us know before the draft.’ I think they’re going to draft a quarterback. It’s just a matter of how high they draft a quarterback.”
Still, Roethlisberger thinks Rodgers would change the entire outlook of the offense overnight.
“The offense all of a sudden becomes a different team. That’s Aaron Rodgers. I mean, that’s a different animal,” he said. “You can say what you want. ‘He can’t move quite like he used to.’ This and the other. You know what still works? His arm and his brain.”
Ben Roethlisberger on Aaron Rodgers if he signs with the Steelers: “The offense all of a sudden becomes a different team. That's Aaron Rodgers. I mean, that's a different animal. You can say what you want. 'He can't move quite like he used to.' This and the other. You know what…
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) April 2, 2025
It’s hard to argue with that. Even if Rodgers is past his prime mobility-wise, his football IQ and arm talent are still elite. And with Pittsburgh’s weapons — Metcalf, George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and others — Roethlisberger believes Rodgers could instantly elevate the offense.
If Rodgers is truly holding out for Minnesota, things could get weird fast. But if Roethlisberger is right, and Pittsburgh is the fallback option, the Steelers better be ready to move quickly. And if they’re planning to draft a QB anyway, they might be preparing for any outcome.