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NFL insider reveals timeline for Aaron Rodgers, Steelers deal, throws wrench in the mix

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•about 22 hours•

NickGeddesNews

Aaron Rodgers
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team with zero quarterbacks under contract for 2025. And with Justin Fields and Sam Darnold off the board, Pittsburgh has turned its attention to Aaron Rodgers.

The Steelers began talks with Rodgers several days ago. With indications that Fields would be headed elsewhere, those talks intensified. Fields did, indeed, sign with the New York Jets on Monday. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Steelers and Rodgers could have an agreement in place “as soon as Tuesday.” Florio noted Rodgers won’t be able to sign until Wednesday when the Jets officially release him.

But as Florio mentioned, there’s still one other team that has interest in Rodgers. It’s the New York Giants, who hold the No. 3 overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft. But in terms of Rodgers’ best shot of winning at this stage in his career, Pittsburgh would be ahead of New York.

Steelers, Aaron Rodgers in discussions

Rodgers, 41, made known he wanted to continue his NFL career after the Jets announced his release, and returns for a 21st season. He spent two years with the Jets after coming over from the Green Bay Packers, but his first season in New York ended on his first drive of the 2023 season due to an Achilles injury. In 2024, he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, along with 11 interceptions – marking two straight full seasons with at least 10 picks.

In Pittsburgh, he would have receiver George Pickens and the recently acquired DK Metcalf as his primary weapons, in addition to tight end Pat Freiermuth. ESPN‘s Dan Orlovsky explained why Rodgers makes sense for Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh makes sense for Rodgers.

“This is easy for me,” Orlovsky said Monday. “If I’m the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers is going to be my starting quarterback. And if I’m Aaron Rodgers, I want to go play for Pittsburgh. 4:45 in the afternoon — I’m a little surprised it’s gone this long. There has to be this sense of urgency from Pittsburgh. You just traded for DK Metcalf. You now have two premier players at that position physically. … I want a guy that can throw it up and down the football field. He can’t move the way he did, but this would be a very easy decision to me.”