Alex Highsmith discusses if Aaron Rodgers saga is distracting for Steelers

As of Friday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has yet to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, his status for the 2025 season has undeniably been the biggest storyline hovering over the Steelers since March. 

During Thursday's edition of NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, Pittsburgh pass-rusher Alex Highsmith addressed how he and his teammates handle the outside noise regarding Rodgers' future. 

"I get asked a lot by my peers and some friends who are fans and stuff like that," Highsmith said, as shared by Nick Shook of the NFL's website. "I just feel like in the locker room, we're in there working, and I think that's just really what it's about at this point. I know that if [Rodgers] does sign, we're definitely going to be really excited to have him. We know who he is. He's a Hall of Fame quarterback. He's one of the best to ever do it. I wouldn't say it's a distraction at all, but we all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table."

Reports indicate that the Steelers will have Rodgers on the roster and at the team's facility before training camp workouts in late July. That said, Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger and former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon are among those who believe Pittsburgh players would want Rodgers working with them by the time organized team activities begin Tuesday. 

A previous report mentioned that "guys in the locker room really like" longtime backup Mason Rudolph after he guided the club to three straight victories and a playoff berth during the 2023 season. Highsmith is one of the Steelers who would be comfortable if Rudolph stayed atop the depth chart through early September. 

"The guys are rallying around him and, like I said, he's been with us before and guys know him. Pittsburgh fans know him," Highsmith said about Rudolph. "The way that he helped us finish in 2023 was awesome. No matter who's back there for us, whether it's him or if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come, I'm just excited. Whoever's back there, we're gonna have their backs and we're gonna rally behind them. Just excited for whoever it's gonna be."

It seems that Pittsburgh players are simply waiting for Rodgers to make their expected marriage official. That said, each day he remains unsigned will make one wonder if he's having second thoughts about playing for the Steelers later this year.