Matt LaFleuer on Aaron Rodgers future: ‘I would fully expect him to be a Pittsburgh Steeler’

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur expects Aaron Rodgers to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers before too long. And that’s based on his own understanding, not any conversations with Mike Tomlin or Arthur Smith.

But as it stands right now, Rodgers is still a free agent and hasn’t decided on his football future yet. But all signs point to Pittsburgh if he does play.

Heck, rookie QB and sixth round pick Will Howard would love to have Rodgers join the team. It could be just a matter of time.

“No, nothing and neither has Arthur Smith their OC,” LaFleur said on Up and Adams. “I haven’t heard from either of those guys in regards to him. I’m pretty sure they know what they’re doing, I’m sure they’re confident in what they’re doing and I would fully expect him to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

Biographer and sports writer Ian O’Connor recently spoke about Rodgers’ timeline. It’s his expectation that Rodgers will be with the Steelers by the end of May.

“I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], ‘Listen, I’m gonna play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues,’” O’Connor said. “I’m pretty sure they’re gonna be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all.’ So that’s where I think he is.”

O’Connor spoke with On3 ahead of the 2024 season about Rodgers’ biography and what made the recently controversial quarterback tick. The story isn’t over, but it hasn’t set up for the best ending right now, as people don’t look fondly on his Jets’ tenure.

Despite a disastrous season for the Jets in 2024, Rodgers put up solid numbers, arguably his best season since 2021. He threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 63% completion percentage. Unfortunately, it didn’t carry over to many wins for New York.

Coming off a playoff appearance, the Steelers still feel they can compete in the AFC. Despite trading WR George Pickens, the Steelers acquired former Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf, a potential valuable weapon for Rodgers. But for now, it’s still a wait-and-see approach.