The NFL landscape appears to be a game of musical chairs, with multiple teams, notably the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, anxiously waiting for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision that could ripple throughout the league as the 2025 season approaches.
At the heart of this uncertainty is Rodgers, who remains silent about his future—be it with the Minnesota Vikings, another team, or beyond football altogether with the consideration of retirement. As of March 20, 2025, multiple reports note that Rodgers “is in no rush at all” to finalize his plans, which consequently leaves teams strategizing their backup plans for the upcoming season.
For the Giants, the situation is particularly precarious. Currently, they are counting on Tommy DeVito, a journeyman quarterback who has yet to establish himself in the league. As head coach Brian Daboll faces increasing pressure to secure a competent starter, the Giants have brought in notable free agents for visits, including Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Jameis Winston. They desperately need a quarterback to pin their hopes on for the upcoming season.
While the Giants are urgently scouting veterans, the Steelers have their own expectation to fulfill. Despite having two quarterbacks on the roster—Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson—the team is set on pursuing Rodgers. Rudolph notably delivered solid performances down the stretch in 2023, following a change in offensive strategy, but the team’s future hinges on acquiring a stronger option. Reports suggest that general manager Omar Khan may turn to younger quarterback prospects during the upcoming NFL Draft if they cannot bring Rodgers to Pittsburgh.
Compounding matters for both franchises is the rumbling cloud of indecision hanging over Rodgers. He seems to be waiting for opportunities to unfold, especially concerning the Vikings, who have been a focal point in the rumors surrounding his next step. Each passing day feels critical for the Steelers and Giants as they assess their options.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, the Steelers themselves are casting a wide net for quarterback prospects. Names like Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss and Tyler Shough from Louisville have entered their radar, alongside extraordinary performances from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Following a well-received dinner with Pittsburgh's management prior to his Pro Day, Milroe showcased his speed with a stunning 4.37-second 40-yard dash, immediately raising eyebrows. Milroe expressed, "I’d love the opportunity to play for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers," pushing his name further into the mix as a potential draft pick.
Further emphasizing the challenging landscape, veteran Russell Wilson continues to provide a safety net for the Steelers should their pursuit of Rodgers fall through. Wilson’s effective performances last season, including 16 touchdown throws against 5 interceptions, coupled with a 95.6 passer rating propelled his Oregon Ducks to the playoffs—an impressive feat after two challenging years with the Denver Broncos.
As this musical chairs game continues, the Steelers and Giants are left grappling with the complexities of building a competitive roster while waiting for a single player to make a decision that could change the trajectory of their seasons. Nick Shook, from NFL.com, highlighted the emotional fatigue of waiting, saying, "Cam Heyward is tired of waiting on Aaron Rodgers. Frankly, I am too." Shook urges the Steelers not to fall into a stance of complacency and instead consider the potential return of Wilson, who is projected to command a two-year deal worth $50 million, with a significant guarantee that would offer the team a heads-up in terms of fiscal planning.
The Steelers, while fully committed to Rodgers, realize the necessity of maintaining an adaptable strategy that accounts for the uncertainties surrounding him. Preliminary evaluations say bringing back Wilson would be prudent, especially given his track record and the opportunity to continue developing the Steelers' offensive scheme in conjunction with their new receiving tandem of DK Metcalf and George Pickens.
As coaches and general managers springboard into the annual NFL Draft, they are left pondering how the landscape might look should Aaron Rodgers finally make a decision. With the clock ticking down to the season’s start and every team striving for stability and success, the spotlight remains squarely on the quintessential decision-maker: Aaron Rodgers.
