Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

Steelers Owner Makes Timeline Announcement For Aaron Rodgers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 22, 2025 7:03 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers to finalize his plans for 2025. They don't appear to have a strict deadline for the star quarterback.

After losing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in free agency, the Steelers waited until the sixth round to draft Will Howard. While their actions seem to convey confidence in signing Rodgers, nothing is official as the team prepares to conduct voluntary offseason activities on Tuesday.

On April 1, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the Steelers would wait "a little while longer" for Rodgers, but "not forever." On Thursday, Rooney said he's still waiting.

"A little while longer. I'll say the same thing," Rooney said, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The Steelers could be in serious trouble if Rodgers spurns them. Their quarterback room currently consists of Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Sylar Thompson.

With few alternatives still available, the Steelers may need Rodgers to make their third straight postseason appearance. They could hope he raises their ceiling after eight wins without a playoff victory.

Meanwhile, Rodgers could try to write a better ending to his NFL career following a messy 2024 season with the New York Jets, who jettisoned him after going 5-12. While he didn't play like a four-time MVP, Rodgers held his own in his 20th season with 28 passing touchdowns and a 90.5 quarterback rating.

One can reasonably assume he won't sign and report in time for next week's OTA sessions. June 10, the start of Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp, could loom as an essential date in the Rodgers saga.

Ian O'Connor, who published a biography on Rodgers last year, recently predicted that the polarizing quarterback would join Pittsburgh in time.

"I do think there will be a happy ending, at least for him, and we will find out for the Steelers and their fan base," O'Connor said. "If I had $100 to put down, my feeling is he will be in uniform June 10th for the start of the mandatory minicamp."

It remains unclear how long Rooney and the Steelers are willing to wait on Rodgers.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: