It’s not often you hear a city whisper the same name over and over like a prayer—but in Pittsburgh (or at least the Steelers‘ hallways), “Rodgers” echoes down the steel corridors like it’s already stitched onto a black-and-gold jersey. Two months into free agency, Mike Tomlin’s quarterback room still feels incomplete. The Steelers drafted a promising rookie, they’ve got warm bodies in camp, but none of it has stopped fans, analysts, or front-office whispers from wondering if Aaron Rodgers is the final piece. In a franchise defined by discipline and tradition, the idea of a handshake deal with one of the most polarizing QBs of this generation? It’s the kind of gamble Pittsburgh usually avoids. But this year? They just might be all in.

When the Steelers selected Ohio State’s Will Howard with the 185th overall pick in the 6th round, many assumed Pittsburgh’s quarterback carousel had slowed to a stop. But a new report suggests Mike Tomlin’s search for a veteran leader isn’t over just yet—and the team may be closer than ever to bringing in one of the NFL’s most decorated signal callers.

According to PolyMarket Sports data shared on May 2, 2025, a staggering 81.7% of users believe Aaron Rodgers will join the Steelers this season. The betting odds skyrocketed following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, suggesting that fans—and perhaps insiders—sense something brewing between Rodgers and Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, 11.9% still believe Rodgers may opt for retirement, potentially ending his career without suiting up for a final campaign.

Despite Rodgers’ uncertain timeline and open-ended remarks about his future, Pittsburgh seems intent on leaving a seat at the table for the four-time MVP. Even as the Vikings continue to be loosely linked to Rodgers amid uncertainty surrounding rookie JJ McCarthy’s starter credentials after last year’s preseason injury, insiders don’t believe Minnesota is truly in the mix. Kevin O’Connell is unlikely to bring in a veteran who would sit behind his hand-picked prospect. The Steelers, on the other hand? They’re practically waiting with open arms.

Head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly voiced confidence in Rodgers’ potential fit with the team during March’s NFL annual meetings in Palm Beach. What’s more, local reports have hinted that Rodgers’ indecision is already having a ripple effect on team planning—including speculation that his delayed choice may be disrupting offseason practice scheduling. 

For a team chasing a return to playoff glory, time is money—and every day Rodgers waits, the clock ticks louder in Pittsburgh.

Why Pittsburgh still wants Rodgers

Let’s be clear: the Steelers aren’t short on quarterbacks. In addition to Mason Rudolph, they now have Will Howard, who led Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship before transferring to Ohio State. In 2024, he threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns on a 73.1% completion rate. But while the rookie shows promise, Pittsburgh appears unwilling to leave their 2025 hopes in the hands of inexperience alone. Which is why Aaron Rodgers remains the missing piece. But will he actually sign?

Rodgers recently addressed the elephant in the room during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Asked about his NFL future, the veteran QB was candid: “It ain’t about the money. I said I’ll play for $10 million. Whatever. I’m open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement could still be a possibility.” Rodgers didn’t shut the door on the Steelers—or any team, really—but he emphasized that his priorities have shifted.

“I’m in a different phase of my life,” Rodgers admitted. “I’m 41 years old, I’m in a serious relationship. I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention. I have personal commitments I made, not knowing what my future was going to look like after last year, that are important to me.” It’s that transparency that’s made the ‘handshake deal’ narrative reported by ESPN believable. The Steelers may not have inked a contract yet—but mutual interest? It’s real. And with Shedeur Sanders and other top QBs passed over in this year’s draft, Pittsburgh’s intentions are clear: they’re either getting Rodgers, or waiting until 2026 to reset.

The idea of Rodgers in black and gold once sounded far-fetched. Now, it’s a very real possibility. Tomlin has said all the right things. The front office is building around the quarterback spot. And Rodgers, while cryptic, hasn’t ruled it out. A formal announcement may not come today or tomorrow—but a quiet, unspoken deal? That may already be in play.

So the only question left: is Pittsburgh truly Rodgers’ final stop—or just the final chapter in a storied, unpredictable career?