The Pittsburgh Steelers are not waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make his move — they are making theirs. As the NFL Draft passed and training camps loom large, the Steelers’ approach to the quarterback position has become crystal clear. While Rodgers isn’t officially signed with Pittsburgh yet, the moves they made during the draft and offseason paint a picture of a franchise poised to go all-in on the future, with Rodgers in their plans as their starting quarterback.
Steelers Show Their Hand: A “Win-Now” Strategy for 2025
Steelers general manager Omar Khan left no room for doubt when addressing the team’s quarterback situation before the draft. Despite having only two quarterbacks on the roster at the time, Khan assured fans and the media that Pittsburgh would leave no stone unturned in ensuring they had four quarterbacks come training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
“We go to camp with four quarterbacks,” Khan stated. “Right now we have two on the roster. All options are on the table in how we acquire those last two. I assure you we’ll have four when we get to [training camp in] Latrobe.”
The Steelers made good on that promise, drafting Will Howard in the sixth round, adding depth to the quarterback room. But the real story lies in how the Steelers are conducting business like a team that already has a veteran quarterback — Aaron Rodgers — ready to sign. Every move they made points to the idea that Rodgers will be calling the shots for Pittsburgh in 2025.
Moving Forward With an Open Seat for Rodgers
While Rodgers is still unsigned, the Steelers aren’t making any rash decisions. They know the importance of securing their star quarterback, but they are not succumbing to pressure or rushing the process. They have intentionally left an open seat at the quarterback table, giving themselves room to maneuver once Rodgers is officially signed.
Despite speculation surrounding Rodgers’ offseason activities — including a recent sighting at the Kentucky Derby with a suspicious ring on his finger — the Steelers remain focused on the big picture. They’re letting the media frenzy unfold while staying on track for their inevitable Rodgers signing.
“We’re still looking at this as a situation where we’ll get him in when the time is right,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We’re not putting ourselves under any unnecessary pressure with a timeline. It’ll happen when it happens.”
This calm approach is also reflective of the Steelers’ broader strategy. The team is laying the groundwork for a successful 2025 season while taking their time with Rodgers. Even if he does miss June’s minicamp, the team is prepared to move forward without unnecessary distractions, knowing that everything is falling into place for a successful pairing down the road.
A Draft Strategy Designed for Immediate Impact
If there’s one thing that stands out about the Steelers’ recent draft strategy, it’s their laser focus on players who can contribute immediately. With Rodgers in the mix (or so they anticipate), the Steelers are making moves aimed at bolstering their current roster and maximizing their window of opportunity for a Super Bowl run.
Take, for example, their first-round pick. Despite having other pressing needs at quarterback, Pittsburgh opted for defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from Oregon, who can step in and start from day one. This move screams “win-now” mentality, a strategy that only makes sense if a veteran quarterback like Rodgers is coming aboard.
The Steelers were also busy in the later rounds, drafting players who can make an immediate impact. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, a running back taken in the third round, is the type of player who will fit perfectly into offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system, ready to take on a full load of carries right out of the gate. This is the kind of pick that signals the team’s commitment to making a championship push in 2025, regardless of the long-term development of their quarterback situation.
Even in the later rounds, Pittsburgh’s decisions remained focused on helping the team right away. The addition of Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, a defensive end with 29 career starts, gives the Steelers another player who can rotate into the defensive line and contribute immediately.
A Familiar Strategy: Steelers Follow the Jets’ Playbook
This aggressive strategy might seem familiar to fans who watched the New York Jets make similar moves during their own pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. Prior to securing the four-time MVP, the Jets made significant additions both in terms of coaching and roster depth, all with one goal in mind: Keep Rodgers comfortable and put a team together that can win in his brief window of opportunity.
The Steelers appear to be following that same playbook. By making win-now moves and prioritizing immediate contributors in the draft, Pittsburgh is setting itself up to contend in the 2025 season — with Rodgers at the helm. The similarities between Pittsburgh’s and New York’s approaches are hard to ignore.
And while the Steelers are not quite there yet, their actions over the past few weeks make one thing abundantly clear: they believe Aaron Rodgers is the missing piece to a championship puzzle.
What’s Next? A Potential Rodgers Signing on the Horizon
With training camp in Latrobe only a few months away, time is of the essence. Smart money is on the Steelers finalizing their deal with Rodgers before the June minicamp. However, if that doesn’t happen, the team does have a backup plan. With Kirk Cousins now without a clear starting role elsewhere, the Steelers could pivot to a trade for the veteran quarterback — though that scenario remains unlikely at this point.
The Steelers’ focus remains on getting Rodgers in the fold. Their moves during the draft, the way they structured their roster, and the calm but deliberate approach to his signing all point to the same conclusion: Aaron Rodgers will be the quarterback leading Pittsburgh in 2025.
As the Steelers continue to make moves that signal their commitment to a win-now mentality, one thing is certain: Aaron Rodgers is headed to Pittsburgh — and when he arrives, the Steelers will be ready.
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