Mike Florio, a prominent NFL analyst, recently shared a theory about Aaron Rodgers’ free agency visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Florio, Rodgers’ meeting may have been more than just exploring his options — it could’ve been a strategic move to test the waters and create leverage in ongoing negotiations.
Mike Florio Suggests Aaron Rodgers Was Testing the Steelers for Leaks
Florio speculated that Rodgers’ visit with the Steelers might have been a calculated attempt to test the organization’s ability to keep things quiet before making any serious commitment.
“The development remained tightly under wraps until Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette caught wind of it. After he reported it, others mobilized to confirm the news because it’s never good enough to trust someone else’s reporting, apparently.
“The fact that Dulac reported it means someone from the Steelers leaked it. Which could have been a test by Rodgers to see whether the S.S. Rooney has leaks. Indeed, Rodgers has complained in the past about leaks with the Jets,” Florio said.
PFT's Mike Florio thinks Aaron Rodgers was testing the Steelers Friday for leaks: “The development remained tightly under wraps until Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette caught wind of it. After he reported it, others mobilized to confirm the news because it’s never good… https://t.co/KHpeH4WhHi
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 21, 2025
Rodgers has previously voiced frustration over leaks during his time with the New York Jets, where details about his plans often surfaced in the media too early. If Florio’s theory holds up, his visit to Pittsburgh may have had less to do with negotiating a deal and more to do with gauging how tightly the franchise keeps its internal conversations.
Rodgers Taking a Strategic Approach in Free Agency
Even with plenty of speculation surrounding his next move, reports say Rodgers is in no rush to sign. According to Florio, citing a source, Rodgers is simply following the advice of his agent, David Dunn. Dunn has reportedly told him to stay patient and use time as a bargaining chip.
The Steelers reportedly made Rodgers an offer two weeks ago, and it hasn’t changed since. The New York Giants have also shown interest, though Rodgers hasn’t met with them yet. If his main goal is leverage, meeting with more than one team could help him land the best deal possible.
The length of a potential contract could also play a major role. Some reports suggest Rodgers is looking for a commitment beyond the 2025 season, which could influence talks with both the Steelers and Giants.
Vikings Opt Out, But Rodgers Keeps Exploring Options
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have said they are not pursuing Rodgers “at this time.” While that doesn’t fully close the door, it hasn’t changed Rodgers’ strategy. He remains focused on weighing his options, with Pittsburgh still viewed as a top contender.
As Rodgers continues to explore his next move, Florio’s theory adds another wrinkle to the story. Whether the Steelers meeting was part of a real negotiation — or just a strategic test — his decision will be one of the biggest of the offseason.