The Steelers hosted free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a visit that reportedly lasted about six hours on March 21. Rodgers left the Steelers’ facilities without a deal, but reportedly remains a possible option for the team at quarterback. With a lot of insider information circulating over the last several weeks, here’s what you need to know about the Aaron Rodgers/Steelers situation:
What happened at the Steelers’ meeting with Aaron Rodgers?
The Steelers and Rodgers have “had contract parameters in place for weeks, sources say,” reported NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Friday, “and money wasn’t a discussion point during today’s visit. It was a chance for both sides to get to know each other.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the meeting was a positive one, and per SI’s Albert Breer, Rodgers met with general manager Omar Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Breer added that the Steelers’ older core of players might be attractive to Rodgers:
Also, the meeting today had no real negotiation, or even discussion on money. That isn't expected to get in the way, and this was about Rodgers getting a feel for the coaches and the culture. One thing that I think helps the Steelers—They have an older, accomplished core. https://t.co/M9KpB55vJS
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 21, 2025
Breer also stated that no deal was expected during the meeting, and Rodgers’ visit disrupted the team’s usual pro day visit schedule, showing just how significant it is to Pittsburgh.
As pointed out by Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders, Pittsburgh met with Russell Wilson last offseason and the veteran quarterback initially left without a deal, so it’s important not to read too much into Rodgers leaving unsigned. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac added that Friday’s lack of a contract “doesn’t mean it still might not happen, per sources.”
What teams are in play for Rodgers?
At the moment, the major teams in play for Rodgers seem to be the Steelers and New York Giants, with the veteran quarterback set to decide between the two. Retirement is a possibility, as well.
The #Steelers and Aaron Rodgers have had contract parameters in place for weeks, sources say, and money wasn’t a discussion point during today’s visit. It was a chance for both sides to get to know each other.
The #Giants also remain involved. The decision is in Rodgers’ hands. pic.twitter.com/JbuxYJMVB3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 21, 2025
The Athletic’s Diana Russini said March 19 that the Minnesota Vikings “have strongly considered and will continue to monitor Aaron Rodgers as an option,” but Pelissero said March 21 that Rodgers was always more interested in the Vikings than Minnesota was in him. Russini has since reported that Minnesota is “tabling” the Rodgers discussions and are “all in” on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
She added that Rodgers has no known visits currently scheduled with other teams.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright, in a more blunt manner, has stated that he’d retire if Minnesota brought in Rodgers, writing March 15 that “the Vikings have no interest in Aaron Rodgers despite his interest in them.”
As for the Giants, they recently signed quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. The monetary amount implies the Giants don’t see Winston as a starter — they’re likely still in play for both Rodgers and Russell Wilson — but the signing is still worth noting.
What if the Steelers don’t land Aaron Rodgers?
It’s very clear that Rodgers is Pittsburgh’s No. 1 choice to be QB1 in 2025. However, even if that falls through, Pelissero told Rich Eisen on March 21 that he would be “very surprised” if Pittsburgh reunited with last year’s starter, Russell Wilson, “under any circumstances,” even suggesting that the team might settle for a year of Mason Rudolph.
For now, Pittsburgh appears to be content waiting on Rodgers’ decision, and the team has not been heavily linked to any other available quarterbacks; the Steelers have shown some interest in draft prospects, with Tomlin, Khan, and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth having dinner with Alabama’s Jalen Milroe ahead of his pro day. The team also has a reported top-30 visit with Louisville passer Tyler Shough.
However, the draft isn’t until the end of April. For now, the Steelers’ quarterback plans remain tied to Aaron Rodgers’ decision-making process. And as fans have noticed and Schefter has reported, the veteran quarterback is taking his time.
