Aaron Rodgers visits with Steelers

The Aaron Rodgers watch continues, and Friday has seen what could prove to be a notable development. The league’s top remaining free agent quarterback is visiting the Steelers’ facility, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The Steelers have long been known as one of the top Rodgers suitors, with discussions picking up around the time of Justin Fields working out a deal with the Jets. Pittsburgh preferred Retaining Fields, but his departure leaves the team needing a veteran passer (which may or may not be 2024 starter Russell Wilson). Mason Rudolph is back in the organization, but his signing has not slowed down Rodgers-Steelers connections.

The Vikings represented the top name to watch on this front until recently. Minnesota has not submitted an offer to Rodgers, and one is not expected as things stand. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is among the suitors who have made an offer. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports it still stands, adding Rodgers is set to meet with the Steelers’ coaches today. A deal could be worked out in short order as a result.

Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement, Pittsburgh has been unable to find a long-term solution under center. Rodgers would not meet that criterion at 41, but the four-time MVP could provide a starting-caliber play on a short-term basis for Pittsburgh or any number of teams. Wilson’s time in the organization went well initially, but at the end of the campaign, his play (and that of the offense in general) fell short of expectations.

Owner Art Rooney II made it clear after the Steelers’ wild-card loss that keeping Wilson and Fields in place again in 2025 would be unlikely. The latter quickly secured $30M guaranteed from the Jets, the team that elected to move on from Rodgers under its new regime of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey. That decision did not come as a surprise, but it has not stopped the longtime Packer from generating a notable market. With preliminary Steelers talks not producing an agreement, the Giants have made an offer of their own (one which is believed to be stronger than Pittsburgh’s).

Wilson is ready to sign a deal for 2025, whether with Pittsburgh, New York, Cleveland or another suitor. However, his future will not be clear until the Rodgers domino falls. Joe Flacco is another veteran to watch in the case of the Steelers (and other teams still need a passer at this stage of free agency). Pittsburgh could begin the next phase of the QB carousel shortly with a Rodgers arrangement.