Aaron Rodgers or not, Steelers won’t change their 2025 NFL Draft approach at quarterback

Aaron Rodgers continues to dominate headlines, even without a team. The Pittsburgh Steelers, widely considered his most logical destination, are still waiting for clarity from the four-time MVP. Many anticipated a hint or announcement during Rodgers’ recent appearance at Pat McAfee’s ‘Big Night Aht’ at PPG Paints Arena, but it never came. Now, the franchise could be forced to wait until after the 2025 NFL Draft for a definitive answer.

With the draft just weeks away, Pittsburgh Steelers finds itself in limbo. The opportunity to sign Aaron Rodgers has not disappeared, but his notorious hesitance and appetite for drama have only grown more prominent. While retirement rumors circulate, those close to the situation believe Rodgers is holding out hope for a better offer — one that may never arrive. Teams with top-tier quarterbacks are no longer entertaining the idea, leaving the Steelers as the only realistic option.

However, general manager Omar Khan isn’t putting the organization’s future on pause just for Aaron Rodgers. Holding the 21st overall pick, Pittsburgh is evaluating all its options — including selecting a quarterback — even as Rodgers' decision hangs in the balance. Khan made his strategy clear during an appearance on the Steelers' official YouTube channel, saying, “Our goal is always to put ourselves in a position where we don’t have to take a guy at a specific position… there’s some really good players in this draft that can help us at various positions.”
This statement reflects a broader philosophy: the Steelers will not let one player, even someone of Rodgers’ caliber, dictate their entire draft approach. It’s a necessary stance given the unpredictability of the veteran quarterback. Despite the mutual interest, Rodgers has yet to commit, and the Steelers must prepare as though he never will.
Enter Jaxson Dart — a name that could gain traction in Pittsburgh’s war room. The Ole Miss standout is coming off an exceptional season in the SEC, where he led in both completion percentage (69.3%) and passing yards (4,279), while adding 29 passing touchdowns and three more on the ground. His dual-threat ability and arm talent could tempt Khan to view him as a long-term solution under center.
Drafting Dart would complicate the Rodgers equation significantly. Rodgers, who famously disliked the Packers’ decision to select Jordan Love as his successor, might not take kindly to mentoring yet another young quarterback — especially in a city where he’s never even taken a snap.
Still, the Steelers can’t afford to tie their future to a player who won’t commit. The clock is ticking, and with Mason Rudolph the only current quarterback on the roster, the front office has no choice but to think ahead. Whether or not Aaron Rodgers ever puts on a Steelers jersey, Pittsburgh is preparing for life with or without him — and their 2025 draft decisions will reflect exactly that.
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