NFL Insider Says Steelers 'Feel Good' About Aaron Rodgers Contract Talks Amid Rumors

Two weeks away from the start of their organized team activities, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait for for confirmation from Aaron Rodgers that he will sign with them.

On the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast (starts at 8:00 mark), The Athletic's Dianna Russini noted recent conversations with Steelers officials indicate they "feel good" about Rodgers signing but they also "don't feel like this is a done deal."

There have been people within the Steelers organization who have spoken on the record about their confidence that Rodgers will eventually sign with them.

Chief among that group is owner Art Rooney II, who told Steelers Nation Radio (h/t ESPN's Brooke Pryor) on April 25 that Rodgers "does want to come here" and they "may get word soon."

Rodgers' only public comments came during an April 17 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He didn't rule out retirement, noting he is 41 years old and has "some off the field stuff going on that requires my attention."

Rodgers also acknowledged he has spoken with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin "many times" and has never given them any timeframe to make a decision, adding "by all means" they can move on without him if they wanted to do so.

Nothing the Steelers have done at quarterback suggests they are planning for anyone other than Rodgers to be their starter in 2025. Their only draft pick at the position was Will Howard in the sixth round.

Howard joins a quarterback depth chart that includes Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Tomlin said in March the team would be "comfortable" if Rudolph were to enter the season as their starting quarterback.

Steelers OTAs run from May 27 through June 5, followed by mandatory minicamp from June 10-12. If nothing gets done by that point, the next key checkpoint will be July when training camp opens.

It's safe to assume if Rodgers isn't signed by the start of training camp, he will either retire or at least sit out this season. There's only so much time by that point to learn the playbook and get acclimated to a new team.

The Steelers don't appear to be concerned about Rodgers' status right now, but they are stuck in limbo hoping things fall in their favor as they look to compete in what looks like a loaded AFC North going into the 2025 season.