As they have since Justin Fields opted to sign with the Jets, the Steelers remain engaged with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With the voluntary offseason workout program now underway and the NFL Draft beginning in just two short days, questions remain whether the team remaining steadfast in their pursuit of signing the former four-time NFL MVP will affect their plans for the upcoming draft.
"It does not," Mike Tomlin said this morning during the team's pre-draft press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
There you go. And, that's the way it should be. If and when Rodgers signs with the Steelers, he will be their home-run swing for the 2025 season, giving the team the best chance to compete for a seventh Lombardi Trophy. If an opportunity to select a franchise quarterback in the draft presents itself, the organization has to pursue it.
"I think what you do in a draft oftentimes affects some talent acquisition that happens after," Tomlin said. "We'll see how the acquisition goes this weekend."
As I've reported going back to the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., communication has remained open between the Steelers and Rodgers. Both sides have remained up front with each of their intentions, which is why every comment that's come from Tomlin, Khan or even Art Rooney II has lacked any panic.
Why? For starters, Tomlin, Khan and Rooney know much more about their negotiations with Rodgers than anybody else. While speculation goes crazy on social media, Rodgers' situation isn't a mystery to the Steelers. That's why, even with today being the first day of the voluntary offseason workout program, they aren't panicking.
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show last week, Rodgers made it known that he's been dealing with sensitive and personal issues within his inner circle, which has delayed his desire to sign with a team. The Steelers have also been up front with him regarding their intentions. He said once he signs with a team, it requires an "all in" commitment once he signs on the dotted line.
"Listen, this entire time I haven’t felt like I owed somebody any decision at some point," Rodgers said. "I’ve been upfront with them about that. If you need to move on, call me, by all means. ... There’s been no deadline. And yeah, I’ve talked to Mike T many times.
"I don't think that it is fair to the Steelers or anyone to make a decision when I'm dealing with a lot off the field (issues). At the same time, I want to keep the lines of communications open and that's why I've talked to all the important people. The people that need to know, know what's going on."
In addition, the team has legitimate faith in Mason Rudolph, who is in attendance on the South Side for the voluntary offseason workout program. Both Tomlin and Khan were up front about that when addressing reporters at the annual meeting a couple of weeks ago. He is their safety net in case things fall through with Rodgers or any other veteran quarterback.
"Obviously, we're excited about having Mason Rudolph back," Tomlin said at the annual meeting. "Our knowledge of him, not only as a player, but as a man, is exciting to have him back, and I know he's excited to be back."
As far as the draft goes, the only factors for if, when and where to select a quarterback should be all internal. And, that's exactly what it's been and what it'll continue to be throughout the weekend.
"I'm really comfortable with the amount of research we've done on this class and our preparedness in that area," Tomlin said.
The spotlight has zeroed in on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who's the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this year's class. He's the only player Tomlin specifically addressed in today's press conference, though that's because he's the only player that was specifically brought up in questioning.
"There's a toughness there that doesn't get talked about enough. There's a competitive spirit there that doesn't get talked about enough," Tomlin said. "I know he's very talented and made a lot of plays for his university and his team, but the intangible qualities displayed on tape were impressive to me."
Tomlin's praise of Sanders will raise questions about how serious the Steelers would be about selecting him should he be available when the team is on the clock. If the Steelers do end up taking Sanders in the first round, it'll only be because they believe he's their next franchise quarterback.
Whether or not Sanders or any other quarterback to be considered in the first round is actually franchise quarterback material hasn't been decided yet. Nobody's career is written before they step onto an NFL field. It's up to Tomlin, Khan, Weidl and a whole group of people to decide how good or bad the chances are. If the opportunity for a franchise quarterback is available, teams have to capitalize on it, regardless of what happens in free agency.
That's what the Steelers are doing and finalizing over the next couple of days. We'll find out Thursday night if they think that highly of any of Sanders or any other available quarterback when the Steelers are on the clock. Regardless of how it plays out, the situation with Rodgers won't play a factor in it.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
10:49 pm - 04.22.2025South SideTomlin: Rodgers does not affect NFL Draft plans
As they have since Justin Fields opted to sign with the Jets, the Steelers remain engaged with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With the voluntary offseason workout program now underway and the NFL Draft beginning in just two short days, questions remain whether the team remaining steadfast in their pursuit of signing the former four-time NFL MVP will affect their plans for the upcoming draft.
"It does not," Mike Tomlin said this morning during the team's pre-draft press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
There you go. And, that's the way it should be. If and when Rodgers signs with the Steelers, he will be their home-run swing for the 2025 season, giving the team the best chance to compete for a seventh Lombardi Trophy. If an opportunity to select a franchise quarterback in the draft presents itself, the organization has to pursue it.
"I think what you do in a draft oftentimes affects some talent acquisition that happens after," Tomlin said. "We'll see how the acquisition goes this weekend."
As I've reported going back to the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., communication has remained open between the Steelers and Rodgers. Both sides have remained up front with each of their intentions, which is why every comment that's come from Tomlin, Khan or even Art Rooney II has lacked any panic.
Why? For starters, Tomlin, Khan and Rooney know much more about their negotiations with Rodgers than anybody else. While speculation goes crazy on social media, Rodgers' situation isn't a mystery to the Steelers. That's why, even with today being the first day of the voluntary offseason workout program, they aren't panicking.
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show last week, Rodgers made it known that he's been dealing with sensitive and personal issues within his inner circle, which has delayed his desire to sign with a team. The Steelers have also been up front with him regarding their intentions. He said once he signs with a team, it requires an "all in" commitment once he signs on the dotted line.
"Listen, this entire time I haven’t felt like I owed somebody any decision at some point," Rodgers said. "I’ve been upfront with them about that. If you need to move on, call me, by all means. ... There’s been no deadline. And yeah, I’ve talked to Mike T many times.
"I don't think that it is fair to the Steelers or anyone to make a decision when I'm dealing with a lot off the field (issues). At the same time, I want to keep the lines of communications open and that's why I've talked to all the important people. The people that need to know, know what's going on."
In addition, the team has legitimate faith in Mason Rudolph, who is in attendance on the South Side for the voluntary offseason workout program. Both Tomlin and Khan were up front about that when addressing reporters at the annual meeting a couple of weeks ago. He is their safety net in case things fall through with Rodgers or any other veteran quarterback.
"Obviously, we're excited about having Mason Rudolph back," Tomlin said at the annual meeting. "Our knowledge of him, not only as a player, but as a man, is exciting to have him back, and I know he's excited to be back."
As far as the draft goes, the only factors for if, when and where to select a quarterback should be all internal. And, that's exactly what it's been and what it'll continue to be throughout the weekend.
"I'm really comfortable with the amount of research we've done on this class and our preparedness in that area," Tomlin said.
The spotlight has zeroed in on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who's the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this year's class. He's the only player Tomlin specifically addressed in today's press conference, though that's because he's the only player that was specifically brought up in questioning.
"There's a toughness there that doesn't get talked about enough. There's a competitive spirit there that doesn't get talked about enough," Tomlin said. "I know he's very talented and made a lot of plays for his university and his team, but the intangible qualities displayed on tape were impressive to me."
Tomlin's praise of Sanders will raise questions about how serious the Steelers would be about selecting him should he be available when the team is on the clock. If the Steelers do end up taking Sanders in the first round, it'll only be because they believe he's their next franchise quarterback.
Whether or not Sanders or any other quarterback to be considered in the first round is actually franchise quarterback material hasn't been decided yet. Nobody's career is written before they step onto an NFL field. It's up to Tomlin, Khan, Weidl and a whole group of people to decide how good or bad the chances are. If the opportunity for a franchise quarterback is available, teams have to capitalize on it, regardless of what happens in free agency.
That's what the Steelers are doing and finalizing over the next couple of days. We'll find out Thursday night if they think that highly of any of Sanders or any other available quarterback when the Steelers are on the clock. Regardless of how it plays out, the situation with Rodgers won't play a factor in it.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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