NFL insider explains why Steelers changed their mind on Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of a starting quarterback for the 2025 season. 

The competition seems to be narrowing down to two veterans: Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. Wilson, of course, is familiar with the Steelers after experiencing both highs and lows in 2024 when he took over for Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks are seeking hefty contracts, and this demand for a pricy payday has created a serious holdup in the Steelers' negotiations.

When NFL insider Mike Florio appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday afternoon, he was directly asked why the Steelers suddenly changed their mind on Rodgers. Initially, Pittsburgh showed little to no interest in the veteran quarterback, but now it seems like both sides might need each other. Florio's response was particularly revealing, offering insight into how the Steelers' stance on Rodgers shifted dramatically.

Florio explained that the Steelers' change of heart could be tied to a combination of factors, including the team's shifting priorities and Rodgers’ willingness to entertain the idea of playing in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers had reservations about bringing him in at first, the reality of their quarterback situation in 2025 has made Rodgers’ potential value to the team much more appealing. Florio's analysis suggests that the Steelers made a grave mistake with Fields and how they handled their quarterback situation.

"I think that and look, they will never hold a press conference and answer all of the questions on how they ended up in the spot they are in," Florio said. "I think they thought they were going to be able to steal Justin Fields. I mean with Fields getting $20 million a year from the Jets, that is an embarrassing low starting quarterback number."

Florio has long been a vocal advocate for Rodgers, arguing that the quarterback is worth at least $45 million a year. However, he recently expressed disbelief over Fields' contract with the Jets, which is reportedly only $20 million a year, calling it laughably low. 

Florio’s remarks suggest that the Steelers may have put themselves in a difficult position by attempting to "cheap out" on Fields, ultimately leading to the current quarterback dilemma. His perspective highlights how Pittsburgh's initial reluctance to invest in Fields may be coming back to haunt them now.

"I think the primary goal was, and they admitted it, they wanna keep either Fields or Wilson, but they wanted to go cheap and I think they went too cheap with Fields, and it blew up in their faces," Florio speculated. "That is why someone woke up and said maybe we should go out and get Aaron Rodgers. The flaw in the thinking was people believing Rodgers would come cheap."

When owner Art Rooney II, GM Omar Khan and HC Mike Tomlin addressed the quarterback situation, they all emphasized that they were open to a future with either Fields or Wilson in 2025. Some speculated whether they were simply saying that out of necessity or if they truly meant it. What seems more likely is that Pittsburgh didn't want to overpay for a quarterback.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin thought he could get a discount with Justin Fields

The Steelers reportedly offered Fields what they considered a fair contract, but he wasn't interested and chose to leave for the New York Jets. There was a belief, especially from Tomlin, that he might be able to land a "personal discount" given his reputation and the allure of playing for him. However, that strategy backfired, leaving the Steelers without a clear option for the 2025 season.

Of course, that will soon change as the Steelers are poised to finalize a deal and determine their starting quarterback. However, they now find themselves in a much more desperate situation than they originally anticipated. The Steelers are quickly running out of leverage and need to find a solution. As it stands, overpaying for a 41-year-old quarterback in Rodgers may be their best, and perhaps only, option.