Aaron Rodgers has left the Pittsburgh Steelers in suspense over his decision to join them for the 2025 season.
Former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker has proposed a new theory, suggesting that Rodgers may have influenced the Steelers’ draft strategy by advising against selecting Shedeur Sanders.
The current quarterback lineup for the Steelers includes Mason Rudolph, Skyler Thompson, and Will Howard, a sixth-round pick and former Ohio State star. As they await Rodgers’ decision, they passed on the opportunity to draft a new quarterback early, despite rumors linking them with prospects like Sanders or Jaxson Dart.
Rodgers has been in talks with the Steelers, who hosted him in March, and he’s also attracted interest from the Minnesota Vikings. The four-time MVP, who recently sparked intrigue with a wedding ring at the Kentucky Derby, is still considering his options for the upcoming season, which may have influenced Pittsburgh’s draft decisions.
“I think Aaron’s going to sign with them,” Tucker said. “I would be very, very surprised at this point if he doesn’t. Because if they didn’t have 99 percent confidence that he was going to, I think they would have drafted a quarterback.
“In fact, I’ll take it a step further. I don’t have any evidence of this, it is rampant speculation, but I would tell you right now I believe that Aaron Rodgers told the Steelers, ‘Hey don’t draft Shedeur Sanders.’ Or maybe the Steelers just knew. He doesn’t want to deal with that. He’s 40-something years old.”
On CBS’ ‘Dan Patrick Show’ live stream, he claimed: “Whether he said something or not, I will believe forever that Aaron Rodgers made it known to the Steelers that he didn’t want Shedeur Sanders in that quarterback room, and have to deal with that in what might be his last year in the NFL.”
Rodgers recently disclosed on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ the reasons behind his delayed team signing. “I’m in a different phase of my life. I’m 41 years old, I’m in a serious relationship, I have personal commitments I’ve made,” he said. “And people in my inner circle battling difficult stuff. To make a commitment to a team is a big thing.”
Having been released by the New York Jets after two uninspiring seasons, Rodgers now sees Justin Fields, ex-Steeler, moving into the spotlight as the Jets progress.
