The Pittsburgh Steelers may not have drafted Aaron Rodgers, but his influence loomed large over their 2025 NFL Draft strategy. While the team never formally acknowledged that the legendary quarterback factored into their decision-making, their moves tell a different story. Passing on a quarterback in the first five rounds raised eyebrows—especially as several top QB prospects remained on the board.
Steelers avoid early quarterbacks amid growing Aaron Rodgers buzz
With Rodgers still under contract with the Jets but rumored to be eyeing a move to Pittsburgh, the Steelers appeared to take a wait-and-see approach. Despite team president Art Rooney II saying, “We did not factor in whether Aaron is coming or not into that,” the Steelers’ actions painted a clearer picture.
Rooney further hinted at Rodgers’ potential arrival, saying, “We’re still kind of getting the same signals that we’ve been getting recently… He does want to come here, so I do think we may get word soon.” That optimism may explain why Pittsburgh didn’t prioritize drafting a franchise quarterback early.
Developmental prospect Will Howard is the only QB pick
The Steelers finally selected Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round—a 24-year-old with solid credentials but still considered a project. Despite an impressive 73% completion rate and national championship experience, Howard has notable flaws in mechanics and decision-making under pressure. He isn’t expected to compete for the starting role in 2025.
Howard, however, remains upbeat: “I just cannot wait to delve into this situation and to really give my all to this team… I go all-in.” While his mindset is promising, the team's hesitancy to invest earlier in a quarterback suggests they either trust Mason Rudolph to step up—or they’re holding the door open for Rodgers.
Perhaps the most telling moment came in the fourth round, when the Steelers bypassed Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders—despite hosting him for a top-30 visit and head coach Mike Tomlin publicly praising his toughness. The pick instead went to edge rusher Jack Sawyer, reinforcing the belief that the team is focused on building around an experienced quarterback, not grooming a new one.
Also Read: Kirk Cousins could end Aaron Rodgers' comeback dreams as Steelers move fast to replace their QB gap
Tomlin kept the door wide open when asked about Rodgers: “I'm not going to forecast the ifs and whens… We've had really productive talks with him.” If Rodgers does land in Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ draft will look brilliant in hindsight. If not, passing on so many quarterback talents could become a costly gamble.
Steelers avoid early quarterbacks amid growing Aaron Rodgers buzz
With Rodgers still under contract with the Jets but rumored to be eyeing a move to Pittsburgh, the Steelers appeared to take a wait-and-see approach. Despite team president Art Rooney II saying, “We did not factor in whether Aaron is coming or not into that,” the Steelers’ actions painted a clearer picture.
Rooney further hinted at Rodgers’ potential arrival, saying, “We’re still kind of getting the same signals that we’ve been getting recently… He does want to come here, so I do think we may get word soon.” That optimism may explain why Pittsburgh didn’t prioritize drafting a franchise quarterback early.
"The Steelers are confident and they think that Aaron Rodgers will be in Pittsburgh..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 28, 2025
I think that he will be a member of the Steelers"@RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3ASBgjdlDE
Developmental prospect Will Howard is the only QB pick
The Steelers finally selected Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round—a 24-year-old with solid credentials but still considered a project. Despite an impressive 73% completion rate and national championship experience, Howard has notable flaws in mechanics and decision-making under pressure. He isn’t expected to compete for the starting role in 2025.
Howard, however, remains upbeat: “I just cannot wait to delve into this situation and to really give my all to this team… I go all-in.” While his mindset is promising, the team's hesitancy to invest earlier in a quarterback suggests they either trust Mason Rudolph to step up—or they’re holding the door open for Rodgers.
Perhaps the most telling moment came in the fourth round, when the Steelers bypassed Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders—despite hosting him for a top-30 visit and head coach Mike Tomlin publicly praising his toughness. The pick instead went to edge rusher Jack Sawyer, reinforcing the belief that the team is focused on building around an experienced quarterback, not grooming a new one.
Also Read: Kirk Cousins could end Aaron Rodgers' comeback dreams as Steelers move fast to replace their QB gap
Tomlin kept the door wide open when asked about Rodgers: “I'm not going to forecast the ifs and whens… We've had really productive talks with him.” If Rodgers does land in Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ draft will look brilliant in hindsight. If not, passing on so many quarterback talents could become a costly gamble.
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