Aaron Rodgers is the best option available at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. Florio made the somewhat obvious statement amid ongoing debate about whether the Steelers should sign the four-time NFL MVP. Rodgers reportedly visited Pittsburgh on March 21 but left the team’s headquarters without signing a contract.
NFL Analyst Says Aaron Rodgers Provides ‘Instant Upgrade’
Florio called Rodgers’ eventual landing in Pittsburgh a “safe bet,” then explained why the one-time Super Bowl champ remains the Steelers’ best quarterback option.
“Rodgers would instantly upgrade the position, dramatically,” Florio said, via Steelers Depot. “He would position them to make the playoffs and to win when they get there for the first time since the 2016 season. It’s that simple. Rodgers makes the Steelers better. And Rodgers is the best option they have for 2025.”
PFT's Mike Florio says Steeler fans should embrace Aaron Rodgers as he’s their best option since Ben Roethlisberger: “Rodgers would instantly upgrade the position, dramatically. He would position them to make the playoffs and to win when they get there for the first time since…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot)
Florio’s comments come shortly after Rodgers visited the Steelers’ training facility. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a deal with the team could be “forthcoming.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported that Rodgers spent six hours at the facility. He met with coaches and discussed his fit in the offense. Both sides reportedly left on good terms and agreed to keep in touch.
Cam Heyward Takes Subtle Shot at Rodgers
Mason Rudolph currently tops the Steelers’ depth chart after signing a two-year, $8 million deal. He’d be the starter if Rodgers doesn’t sign — which some Steelers players wouldn’t mind.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cam Heyward seemed to throw shade at Rodgers on a recent episode of his “Not Just Football” podcast while giving support to Rudolph. He praised the 2018 third-round pick as a strong leader and solid locker room presence.
“You know, if we don’t sign a quarterback, and we go in the year with Mason, I think we feel good about it,” Heyward said. “Excited to have him back. He’s really a guy for the locker room, and a lot of guys vibe with him. So to bring him back, part of the group is special.”
Steelers Struggled With Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
The Steelers’ offense had a rough 2024 season, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields sharing time at quarterback. Pittsburgh ranked 25th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, but still both QBs ranked ahead of Rodgers in PFSN’s QB+ metric. (Fields did not technically qualify for the metric but would’ve ranked ahead of both if he had.)
Still, Rodgers showed flashes in 2024. He threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. While he wasn’t back to MVP form from his Green Bay Packers days, he held his own for a New York Jets roster that had its fair share of issues.
