The Pittsburgh Steelers have remained confident that Aaron Rodgers will ultimately sign with them in free agency, and a decision may be closer than it appears on the surface.

During an appearance on Steeler Nation Radio, team owner Art Rooney II seemed to insinuate that Rodgers has gave them signs that he’s ready to join the team in the future and that the organization would like to have him for at least a portion of the offseason program.

“We’re still kind of getting the same signals we’ve been getting recently that he does want to come here,” Rooney said. “I do think we may get word soon obviously with things starting to crank up here with the offseason program, etc. If he’s coming, would like to get him here soon for some of that.”

While Pittsburgh undoubtedly would’ve liked to receive an official decision from Rodgers before the NFL Draft began, perhaps its choice to avoid selecting a quarterback thus far is an indication that it more or less knows the four-time MVP has committed to the team.

A resolution did not appear imminent as Rodgers discussed prioritizing his personal life and essentially gave the Steelers the OK to move on from him if need be during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” last week.

Pittsburgh, however, has always profiled as his likeliest landing spot, even more so after it became clear the New York Giants or Minnesota Vikings wouldn’t bring him in, and there hasn’t been any sense of panic thus far despite how long the process has dragged out.

Rooney himself told reporters at the annual league meetings that the Steelers wouldn’t wait forever for Rodgers to make his choice while also proclaiming his optimism that the team would get the job done, and it seems as though he’ll get his wish in the near future.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers informed Aaron Rodgers that they would like an answer before the NFL Draft, according to Josina Anderson.

Anderson implied the Steelers received the answer they may have wanted, which is part of why they did not select a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders.

“I’m told the Steelers communicated with Aaron Rodgers at the beginning of the week that they would like to receive an answer from him before the Draft (at least 48 hours), per league source,” Anderson tweeted.

Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show last week that he was working through personal issues and could not commit to signing with a team just yet.

“I am trying to be open to everything and not specifically attached to a decision. I’m not holding anyone hostage,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been upfront from the beginning. 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. The people that know, know. The people that don’t, make up (expletive) about me.”

Rodgers’ wait continues, and the Steelers have yet to close the door on him fully. Even if the team drafts a middle-round quarterback, they will likely continue to go after Rodgers. The four-time MVP’s options include the Steelers, retirement, or waiting for another spot to open up.

Yet, Pittsburgh passing on someone like Sanders and Jaxson Dart would seem to signal they believe Rodgers is playing and will eventually sign. Meanwhile, they will put their eggs in the basket for the 2026 quarterback class, where they are almost certain to take a swing as they remain in quarterback limbo.

PITTSBURGH — The 2025 NFL Draft is finally here. The Pittsburgh Steelers have their big board set, their trade scenarios in place and are heading into the opening round with expectations for how they hope things will fall, and plans for all of the other ways it might.

No one knows how this draft shakes out compared to those in the past. It feels as if this year’s class is more of a mystery than most, and who goes where is still all over the board. And so, in making “The Final Product,” it took plenty of “what ifs” and conversations from those around the league.

Eventually it came to this. And with that, here is the final Steelers Mock Draft of the 2025 year.

Some things don’t change. The Steelers could have a number of names on the board at 21, but none would tower over Kenneth Grant. The Michigan defensive tackle has been the name to watch since Day 1 of the draft cycle and if he’s there with the 21st pick, which is sounds as if he will be, he’s the Steelers selection.

As a rookie, Grant is viewed as the nose tackle who can help fill the gap for time Cam Heyward needs off. In the future, he’s the replacement for Heyward, who hopefully begins his journey to Canton, Ohio. No matter what, though, the Steelers want a defensive tackle, and they get one early.

The Steelers need a quarterback, and Howard’s name is one that’s been floated around for months. Well, he’s not Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, but he’s a name the team has shown plenty of interest in, who has some upside that remains untapped.

Plus, he’s a National Champion. And we all know how Mike Tomlin loves National Champions.

Howard joins the Steelers, who still believe Aaron Rodgers will be their quarterback in 2025. The hope is he develops enough in a year to compete for the starting job in 2026 against a likely first-round quarterback that they draft then. But for now, he’s a backup and the next rookie quarterback in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers won’t leave the NFL Draft without a running back, and have shown the most interest in those ranging from rounds 2-4. Jaydon Blue is exactly what they’re looking for in a speedy runner with big-play potential. Pittsburgh has made it clear that that is how they want to shape their running back room this season, and they’re shown the same intentions with their draft scouting.

Blue needs a little more work with his ability to find and hit holes quickly, and isn’t that great in-between the tackles. But the Steelers like his speed, and there’s a lot to like in it. They’ll hope they can utilize his skillsets to their advantage now while developing the rest over time.

So, Walley was sent my direction by not one but two Steelers draft analysts. After watching some tape, his physicality pops and he just feels like a player Pittsburgh would be all over. In the fifth round, cornerback is likely an option for them. So, the prediction is the 5-foot-11 cornerback who can play inside and out, running with 4.40 speed. He’s got a ton of upside and the ability to make some noise now. With Darius Slay on the roster for just one season, the Steelers need to start thinking of options long-term next to Joey Porter Jr.

Nothing changed from my last draft with McMillon. The Steelers want a defensive back in this draft class and looking next door makes sense. The Pitt star is viewed as one of the biggest sleepers in the NFL Draft and the Steelers have gotten a first-hand look at him for years.

They won’t shy away from Pitt players if they’re worth it. On defense, they tend to be, and McMillon is viewed as the next name that could make it in the NFL.

Jalen Travis was on my list the last time as well. Pittsburgh signed Calvin Anderson to a two-year deal, but that’s not enough effort to put toward finding a true swing tackle. They might as well go out late in the draft and try to find a player they think can develop into a depth piece. That’s Travis.

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