Aaron Rodgers, NFL quarterback, attends the Kentucky Derby while contemplating his future in the league.
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Should the Steelers Take a QB in the First Round with Aaron Rodgers' Future Unclear? | Uncensored Opinions
Emmanuel Acho, LeSean McCoy, and James Jones discuss whether the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider drafting a quarterback in the first round, considering Aaron Rodgers' uncertain NFL future.
On the weekend, Aaron Rodgers was spotted at the Kentucky Derby, with the NFL world on edge, waiting for his decision on whether he will sign with a team for the 2025 season or hang up his cleats.
The NBC broadcast caught a glimpse of Rodgers at Churchill Downs, and the Louisville Courier-Journal also saw him at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, alongside former Green Bay Packers players Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jimmy Graham, A.J. Hawk, Corey Linsley, and David Bakhtiari.
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Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Jimmy Graham, AJ Hawk, Corey Linsley, David Bakhitari amongst others at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala. (Credit: Ray Padilla / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
During a chat on "Up & Adams" on Friday, NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico was questioned whether he believes he's had his last production meeting with Rodgers.
"I hope not," he said. "I think his comments about his personal life and those other things, kind of encroaching on the space of full dedication to football or an indication that it might be the end. In my soul, I want to see Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, because I always think [Mike Tomlin's] teams have a chance to win almost every game.
"And, to be candid, since [Ben Roethlisberger] has not been there, that the one play a game that the quarterback makes, that’s an unscripted play, that wasn’t covered Monday through Saturday, he needs someone to make that play, and Aaron showed, at the end of last year, he can still make that play."
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) prepares for a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. (Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
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"I would love to see that marriage of you don't need to score 30 with the Steelers - you need to score 22 or you need to score 19 - just get us down to position for a game-winning field goal. I still think he can do that often enough where I'd like to see that marriage happen. But as we get, now, to May, my confidence in that happening has diminished significantly."
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be the only team that presents a realistic chance for Rodgers to land, as the Minnesota Vikings seem set on rolling with J.J. McCarthy for the 2025 season. The New York Jets moved on from Rodgers in the winter.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II and head coach Mike Tomlin have both made their intentions clear, expressing interest in welcoming the four-time MVP quarterback to lead their offense following his less-than-fruitful stint with the New York Jets.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. (Image Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images)
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"That's certainly a possibility," Tomlin said to NFL Network about getting a decision from Rodgers soon. "I'm not going to forecast the ifs and whens regarding not only him, but any other potential free agent. We've had really productive talks with him, and I've enjoyed having productive talks with him and getting to know him."
Our website's> Scott Thompson contributed to this story.
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As the Steelers prepare for the draft, balancing their long-term needs against their immediate contention potential can be challenging, especially if Aaron Rodgers signs. The decision to take a quarterback in the first round pivots on these factors:
Why They Might. Avoid a First-Round QB:
- Win-Now Focus: Rodgers' projected stats hint at his short-term starter status (3,549 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, per ESPN’s Mike Clay). The Steelers might prioritize bolstering his remaining prime with quality linemen and receivers instead.
- Draft Strategy : The Steelers have waited until the sixth round to select developmental quarterbacks (like Will Howard in 2025), suggesting reluctance to prioritize the position early. This pattern may continue if Rodgers signs.
- Roster Flexibility: Pittsburgh's GM, Omar Khan, emphasizes the plan to carry four quarterbacks, including existing options like Mason Rudolph and later-round draftees. A first-round QB might disrupt this balance if Rodgers is seen as the clear starter.
Arguments for Drafting a QB Early:
- Post-Rodgers Transition: At 41, Rodgers' long-term durability is questionable. A first-round QB could sit behind him and take over in 2026+.
- Leverage: Having a first-round QB on the roster would give the Steelers the upper hand in negotiations with Rodgers if his commitment remains uncertain.
- Market Dynamics: Teams like the Jets (2024) have proven that veteran QB signings don't necessarily prevent drafting a successor (like Jordan Travis in round five).
Key Considerations:
- Rodgers' Influence: The Steelers' 2025 draft already reflects Rodgers' impact, avoiding selecting QBs early to dodge signaling disinterest in him. A first-round pick might dampen his enthusiasm.
- Tomlin/Khan's Stance: Mike Tomlin claims Rodgers' situation "does not" impact draft plans, but their late-round QB selection suggests otherwise.
Verdict: Unless a top-tier QB prospect falls to No. 21, the Steelers should prioritize filling non-QB positions to support Rodgers in 2025 and develop a mid-round pick (like Howard) as a contingency. A first-round QB risks alienating Rodgers and misallocating resources during a crucial contention window.
- Even with Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers might choose to strengthen their roster around him instead of drafting a quarterback in the first round, considering his projected short-term impact (3,549 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, per ESPN’s Mike Clay).
- The Steelers' history of waiting until the sixth round to select developmental quarterbacks like Will Howard in 2025 points toward their reluctance to prioritize the position early in the draft, especially if Rodgers signs.
- In light of the potential for disrupting roster flexibility, Pittsburgh's General Manager, Omar Khan, has emphasized the plan to carry four quarterbacks, including Mason Rudolph and later-round draftees, which could be disrupted by a first-round QB if Rodgers is seen as the clear starter.
- Despite Rodgers' potentially limited long-term durability, a first-round QB could sit behind him and take over in 2026+, giving the Steelers the upper hand in negotiations with him, leveraging young talent while still retaining Rodgers' experience.
- To remain competitive in 2025, the Steelers should prioritize filling non-QB positions to support Rodgers and develop a mid-round pick (like Howard) as a contingency, rather than risking alienating Rodgers and misallocating resources during a crucial contention window by selecting a first-round quarterback.
