The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of a quarterback saga that’s got the Steel City buzzing, and the latest chapter is all about Aaron Rodgers. Mike Prisuta of Pittsburgh Magazine dropped a tidbit that’s raising eyebrows, suggesting Rodgers might not officially sign with the team until mandatory veteran minicamp kicks off on June 10. That’s right—while the Steelers are grinding through voluntary OTAs, their potential QB1 is still a free agent, leaving fans and players alike wondering when the future Hall of Famer will finally show up.
On the latest “With the First Pick” podcast, former Titans GM Ran Carthon weighed in with a subtle but pointed message for Rodgers. “Maybe Aaron’s got this Pittsburgh thing all figured out, nod-nod-wink-wink, with some handshake deal and a head start on the offense,” Carthon said, as relayed by Steelers Depot’s Troy Montgomery. “We don’t know that. But it says something when the guy you’re counting on as your quarterback isn’t out there with you right now. This is the time of year you start building that chemistry.” Oof. That’s not exactly a warm welcome—it’s more like a nudge to get moving.
Carthon’s got a point. OTAs aren’t just about running routes and throwing passes; they’re about forging bonds, learning the playbook, and getting in sync. For a 41-year-old quarterback like Rodgers, who’s never played under Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, you’d think he’d be itching to hit the ground running. This isn’t just any offense—it’s a new system, with new teammates, and a fanbase that lives and breathes for black-and-gold success. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who played with Rodgers on the Jets, recently talked about how crucial these voluntary workouts are. “I wanted to get in there, know my coaches, learn the new material, and not be the guy playing catch-up,” Wilson said. You can’t help but wonder if Rodgers, with his veteran savvy, feels the same urgency—or if he’s banking on his experience to carry him through.
The Steelers’ locker room isn’t exactly throwing a parade over this waiting game, either. Back in March, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward let slip some frustration about the “will he or won’t he” drama surrounding Rodgers. He later walked it back, but you don’t need to read between the lines to sense that some players are side-eyeing the fact that their likely starter for 2025 hasn’t signed as of May 23. This is a team that thrives on grit and unity, and having your quarterback hold out—whether it’s strategic or not—doesn’t exactly scream “all-in.”
Now, let’s be clear: all signs point to Rodgers eventually taking over for Mason Rudolph as Pittsburgh’s QB1 this spring. Multiple reports are calling it a matter of “when,” not “if.” But the longer this drags out, the more it feels like Rodgers is playing chess while everyone else is just trying to get through practice. When he does walk into that team facility, he’ll be stepping into a room full of guys who’ve been putting in the work—guys like Heyward, who’s been anchoring the defense for years, and a receiving corps that’s ready to catch passes from whoever’s under center. The question is, how will they greet a quarterback who’s been keeping them guessing?
Rodgers is no stranger to the spotlight, and he’s got the resume to back up his swagger—MVPs, Super Bowl rings, the whole deal. But Pittsburgh’s a different beast. This is a city that demands heart and hustle, and Steelers Nation isn’t going to care about your highlight reel if you’re not out there building with the team. If Rodgers wants to win over his new squad, showing up ready to dive into Smith’s playbook and connect with his teammates would be a heck of a start. For now, though, the clock’s ticking, and Pittsburgh’s waiting to see if their new quarterback is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
