Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin addressed a big question about the team’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers after the organization chose not to draft a quarterback early in the NFL Draft.
Tomlin provided an update on Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Rodgers during an appearance on NFL Network, saying the veteran quarterback remains a “possibility” and that the two sides have had “productive” talks.
“That’s certainly a possibility,” Tomlin said of the Steelers adding Rodgers, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “I’m not going to forecast the ifs and whens regarding not only him but any other potential free agent. We’ve had really productive talks with him, and I’ve enjoyed having productive talks with him and getting to know him.”
When asked by host Rich Eisen if the Steelers’ draft was a sign of their confidence in signing Rodgers, Tomlin would not bite.
“Rich, I will give you the latitude to run with it because I know you will anyway,” Tomlin said. “We feel good about our plan at the position. … I understand the angst not only in your community but in the community that supports us.”
Does passing on a QB mean Steelers are getting Rodgers?
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) April 26, 2025
Tomlin: "Rich, I will give you the latitude to run with it bc I know you will anyway. We feel good about our plan at the position… I understand the angst not only in your community but in the community that supports us."
At the time of the interview, the Steelers had not added a rookie quarterback in the draft. They ultimately did so in the sixth round, taking former Ohio State QB Will Howard at No. 185 overall. Howard will not be viewed by many as a plausible starting option, even if Mason Rudolph remains the alternative.
Still, the Steelers had multiple chances to draft Shedeur Sanders or another quarterback on the first two days of the draft, but never did so. Some took that as a signal that the organization is very confident in landing Rodgers, but it seems the front office simply prioritized other needs.
All along, the Steelers have voiced optimism that Rodgers will choose to sign with them. They are his only real option unless he chooses to retire, and the draft did little to change that.
