Mike Tomlin Updates Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Contract Talks After Passing on Shedeur

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided an update on the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers in free agency.

Tomlin revealed that the Steelers have had "really productive" discussions with Rodgers during a Saturday appearance on NFL Network.

"We feel good about our plan at the position," Tomlin said.

There was buzz surrounding Pittsburgh possibly choosing Colorado's Shedeur Sanders leading up to the draft, and the team was reportedly split on selecting Sanders with the No. 21 overall pick before adding Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

The Steelers ultimately chose Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round, while Sanders fell to the fifth round before the Cleveland Browns traded up to acquire him with the No. 144 selection.

Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson were the only quarterbacks on Pittsburgh's roster heading into the draft, with both players primarily operating in reserve roles last season.

Howard showed promise during his 2024 campaign with the Buckeyes, but it's risky to rely on a sixth-round rookie to contribute right away.

If the Steelers are expecting to return to the playoffs once again, their chances of doing so could hinge on Rodgers' decision.

Communication between both sides has reportedly been sparse of late, with the four-time MVP revealing that retirement is also on the table.

Contract talks appear to be moving in a positive direction with Tomlin's latest update, though.