NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers Visiting Steelers, Contract Not 'Done or Imminent'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly hosting free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a visit on Friday.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the news and added that it may be a sign that a contract agreement between the two sides "could be forthcoming." Dulac later clarified his initial report, noting that sources informed him Rodgers may not sign with the Steelers on Friday or at all, as he was merely meeting with owner Art Rooney II, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero added that "no deal is done or imminent."

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Rodgers "spent about six hours" at the team's facility meeting with coaches. Schefter reported the meeting was "positive" and "the two sides will stay in touch."

Rodgers, who is a 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time NFL MVP, one-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer, is by far the most accomplished quarterback still available in free agency.

After enjoying enormous success over his first 18 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets prior to the 2023 season.

On the Jets' first offensive series of the 2023 campaign, Rodgers tore his Achilles, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

Rodgers was able to recover and start all 17 games for the Jets in 2023, completing 63.0 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The numbers weren't bad, but the Jets went just 5-12, and they released the 41-year-old this offseason.

It is fair to wonder if Rodgers has much left in the tank given his age and recent injury history, but the Steelers are one of the few teams that would make sense as a landing spot for him.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t SNY's Alex Smith) reported Sunday that Rodgers has a "standing offer" from both the Steelers and New York Giants.

While the Giants won only three games last season and aren't likely to compete for a playoff spot in 2025, the Steelers were a playoff team last season despite only getting middling production from quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

The Minnesota Vikings were also thought to be in on Rodgers, although Pelissero reported that the Vikings were no longer pursuing Rodgers and planned to start 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic followed up by reporting that the Vikings would "continue to monitor" Rodgers.

Between the Giants and Steelers, Pittsburgh undoubtedly provides Rodgers with the best situation and the best chance to win in 2025.

The Steelers acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, giving them one of the best wideout duos in the league between Metcalf and George Pickens.

Pittsburgh is built to win now, but the veteran quarterback options are limited, and the Steelers don't pick until 21st overall in the 2025 NFL draft, making it unlikely they can draft a quarterback to start right away.

Because of that, it can be argued that no team needs Rodgers as much as the Steelers do.