Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers moves step closer after NFL rival’s QB decision

MAYBE, just maybe, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are closer to an agreed contract following a recent move by an NFL rival.

Rodgers met with the Steelers on March 21, a week after he was cut by the New York Jets following two disappointing seasons with the team.

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On Friday, the Cleveland Browns reached an agreement on a one-year, $4 million contract with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The report added that there’s $13 million in incentives for Flacco, who played with the Browns in 2023 – the year he claimed the Comeback Player of the Year award after guiding the team to the playoffs.

However, Schefter noted that Flacco was speaking with the Minnesota Vikings and the Steelers before joining the Browns.

The chance to start could’ve been a determining factor in Flacco’s decision, and the Steelers can have their eyes fully set on Rodgers.

But the Steelers have waited for Rodgers’ decision for three weeks since he left their facility without signing a contract.

There has yet to be an indication that a potential deal is close to happening.

The Steelers have remained hopeful that they will reach a deal with the four-time NFL MVP Rodgers.

On Tuesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on X that “the Steelers remain very interested in Aaron Rodgers, and the hope is an agreement eventually happens.

But Schultz also added that the Steelers “has done extensive work on this year’s QB class.”

The Steelers, who hold the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, have visited with top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milroe.

The quarterback uncertainty with the Steelers has created confusion, however.

One league source told NFL insider Josina Anderson that the feeling around the Steelers feels “a little weird” because no one knows who their quarterback will be in 2025.

Nonetheless, the Steelers will have to address the quarterback spot before offseason programs begin.

Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only quarterbacks under contract with Steel City.

And Rodgers would be the fit for the Steelers, who are coming off a 10-7 season that was led by signal-callers Russell Wilson and Justin Fields – both of whom left in free agency.

Rodgers recorded 28 passing touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 17 starts in 2024.

It’s not out of the realm of possibilities, however, that the 41-year-old could choose retirement.

It’s been reported that he’s interested in landing with the Minnesota Vikings.

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But the Vikings have expressed their faith in 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy as their starter this season.

The Steelers will hope to either sign Rodgers and/or add a quarterback in this month’s NFL Draft, which begins on April 24.