The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback saga feels like a John Grisham novel—twists at every turn, cryptic clues, and a protagonist who keeps fans guessing. Imagine Terry Bradshaw’s swagger meets The Da Vinci Code. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the Steel City has chased a successor like kids chasing an ice cream truck—close enough to taste it, but never quite catching up. Draft picks, free agents, and trade rumors have come and gone, leaving behind the faint hum of “Renegade” and a fanbase clutching Terrible Towels like lifelines. Now, add Aaron Rodgers to the mix.

A four-time MVP with a reputation for drama thicker than Primanti Bros. coleslaw. The man who turned offseason speculation into an art form might be Pittsburgh’s next act. But this isn’t just about football. It’s about legacy, patience, and a franchise staring down its first playoff win since Obama was president. So, the plot thickens faster than a Pennsylvania blizzard.

According to a May 3 NFL Rumors post on X, the Steelers have a “handshake deal” with Aaron Rodgers to start in 2025. But whispers suggest he’s prioritizing personal matters, leaving Pittsburgh in limbo. “These are the Pittsburgh Steelers, ok?” analyst Ross Tucker said on Good Morning Football. “If a guy’s waiting this long to decide whether or not they want to play, they don’t really want to play.” Meanwhile, Rodgers himself admitted on The Pat McAfee Show:

“I am trying to be open to everything and not specifically attached to a decision. I’m not holding anyone hostage. I’ve been upfront from the beginning. I don’t mean any disrespect. I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone on a team. I’m just going through a lot in my personal life that has to take [priority]. I don’t think it was fair to the Steelers or anyone while I deal with a lot of things off the field.”

Owner Art Rooney II remains optimistic, telling Steelers Nation Radio: “He does want to come here, so I do think we may get word soon.” However, ESPN’s Mike Clay projects a lukewarm stat line for Aaron Rodgers—3,549 yards, 19 TDs—his lowest full-season totals since 2017. Is this a swan song or a PR stunt?

Rodgers’ indecision isn’t just a headache—it’s a strategy. By delaying his decision past the NFL schedule release (May 14), he could spare Pittsburgh brutal primetime slots. Remember 2024? The Jets’ six primetime games crumbled into a 5-12 disaster. “We are must-watch TV. And that’s pretty obvious,” Rodgers boasted last year. But Steelers fans would rather watch wins than drama. Especially after Rodgers’ saga with Aaron Glenn. And while Rodgers waffles, Pittsburgh hedged its bets by drafting Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round.

The Howard hail mary amid Aaron Rodgers’ waiting game

The 23-year-old national champion isn’t just a consolation prize. He’s a 6’4”, 235-pound underdog who prayed for the Steelers to call his name. “I go all-in, and I have every expectation that this next step with the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be amazing for me,” Howard said after his selection. Former Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger gushed, “Tears down his eyes… that’s a love of the game.” And Howard’s résumé sparkles.

44 college starts, a 73.1% completion rate at Ohio State, and a knack for thriving under pressure. But can a sixth-round rookie outshine Mason Rudolph or a reluctant Rodgers? He probably isn’t a day-one starter. But Howard’s grit mirrors Pittsburgh’s blue-collar ethos—a trait Roethlisberger praised: “When he played Oregon early in the season, he slid and basically lost the game… But what I said, and I stand by this, is he didn’t let it [setbacks] keep him down.” So, Howard prepares like a man with nothing to lose.

His college coach, Ryan Day, once told him, “I believe that you can be the guy that can lead us to a national title.” In Pittsburgh, the stakes are simpler: steady the ship, outwork the noise, and maybe—just maybe—force Rodgers’ hand. Besides, the Steelers’ QB room feels like a halftime speech: equal parts hope and desperation.

Rodgers’ legacy dangles between relevance and retirement, while Howard’s story begins with a clipboard and a prayer. As training camp looms, Pittsburgh faces a choice—wait for a fading star or bet on a rookie’s hunger. In the words of Friday Night Lights: “Every man at some point in his life is gonna lose a battle. He’s gonna fight and he’s gonna lose. But what makes him a man is that in the midst of that battle, he does not lose himself.” Will Pittsburgh find itself in this chaos, or will the ghost of quarterbacks past haunt them again?

Question: If you were Art Rooney II, would you wait for Rodgers or roll the dice on Howard?