1 week Ago By Joseph McBride
Aaron Rodgers is yet to announce his plans for the 2025 NFL season, despite making a visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers facility with the organization needing a quarterback. After the New York Jets announced that they were parting ways with Rodgers , he began searching for a new team, although retirement also hasn't been ruled out for the 41-year-old. Aside from the Steelers, Rodgers has been linked with the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants , but with both teams already committing to quarterbacks, that leaves Pittsburgh.
Rodgers is known for taking his time over decisions, but according to ESPN analyst Michelle Smallmon, the Steelers will be starting to "sweat" if he hasn't committed to the organization by Wednesday. In a fresh twist, it's been reported that the Steelers could turn their attention to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins if their pursuit of Rodgers fails. "I would be worried if I was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, because Aaron Rodgers is somebody that's a bit unpredictable," Smallmon said Tuesday on ' Unsportsmanlike .
' "And retirement, from everything we've heard, is something that's still on the table. If I am Pittsburgh, tomorrow better be the day, or else I would start to sweat this a little bit." After allowing both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to leave the organization, the Steelers re-signed former quarterback Mason Rudolph to add depth to the roster.
But the door has been left open for Rodgers, who is yet to publicly offer any clues as to where he will be come Week 1. Along with showcasing his skills in the NFL, the four-time MVP is also a frequent guest on the popular Pat McAfee Show, which is staging a live event in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Steelers fans connected the dots and began speculating that Rodgers could make a high-profile announcement during the show, but McAfee insists he has no knowledge of that.
When addressing the speculation on Friday's show, McAfee said: "That's crazy. That is hilarious to think about. I do appreciate that people think that is what is possible.
" Former Green Bay Packers linebacker AJ Hawk, who won the Super Bowl with Rodgers, revealed that the quarterback is a huge fan of the Steelers and suggested that a move could happen. "I do know that he actually really likes all the Pittsburgh staff, Hawk said. "He loves the staff, front office, everything about Pittsburgh.
That's what makes the Steelers the Steelers from the top down. I think he definitely loves all them." If Rodgers rejects the Steelers, or retires from the NFL, then Cousins could be next in line.
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last season, but has since been listed as QB2 with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. set to start next season. Looking for more to watch ? Peacock has hit shows, movies, live sports, and more.
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The Falcons aren't looking to deal Cousins until after the 2025 NFL Draft, but could entertain a trade with the Steelers if nothing changes after the draft is completed on April 26. That's according to The Athletic , who believe a trade for Kirk Cousins will be Pittsburgh's last option if Rodgers decides to retire. Until Rodgers signals his intentions, everything appears to be on hold.
However, if he waits until after the NFL Draft, possible landing spots may already have moved on with alternative options..
