Aaron Rodgers Explores Future with Steelers After Workout with DK Metcalf

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a focal point of conversation this offseason, particularly regarding his potential interest in joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Recently, Rodgers held a workout session at UCLA with Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, further fueling speculation about his future in the NFL.

During the session, Rodgers discussed his decision to connect with Metcalf, stating, “I’ve wanted to do due diligence with this whole process, and part of it is talking to a guy like DK [Metcalf]. And let me just say this. What a great dude. He loves football, and I mean, what a specimen this guy is.” The workout, which saw Metcalf adjust his schedule to accommodate Rodgers, is seen as a significant moment as the quarterback evaluates his options for the upcoming season.

“I’ve had a few conversations with DK; I think he’s a super guy,” Rodgers said. He reflected on the importance of the session, noting, “Part of the process with this whole thing is seeing how my body is, how it responds, how I feel. I wanted to see how it felt to throw with DK and how the juices felt and how the ball came out and all those little things.” These remarks indicate that Rodgers is not only assessing his physical readiness but also his chemistry with a potential future teammate.

As the clock ticks on his decision, the 41-year-old quarterback has yet to commit to whether he will continue playing or consider retirement. However, the interaction with Metcalf has signaled to many that Rodgers may be leaning toward signing with Pittsburgh. He mentioned that throwing to someone who could be his primary target next season was a beneficial experience that helped gauge his current condition.

Rodgers also expressed appreciation for his rapport with Steelers management, mentioning connections with head coach Mike Tomlin, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and quarterback coach Tom Arth. “If I do come to Pittsburgh, there will be a lot of familiarity, and it’ll be a place where I should feel comfortable,” he said.

While there is no official timeline for his decision, Steelers owner Art Rooney II stated the organization remains optimistic. “We keep getting positive signals about it,” he noted during recent NFL League Meetings. Rooney acknowledged that the club is anticipating Rodgers’ next steps and is prepared to wait for his decision, which could influence the team’s approach as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.

Despite the ongoing interest from both parties, CBS Sports insider Aditi Kinkhabwala suggested that retirement may be more probable than a move to a team Rodgers perceives as non-competitive. “Aaron Rodgers is more likely to retire than he is to come to a team that he doesn’t believe is a Super Bowl contender,” she said, illuminating the nuances of his mindset as he weighs his options.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set to begin on April 24, intensifying the urgency for both the Steelers and Rodgers as they navigate this critical juncture in his career. The coming weeks will reveal if the connection with Metcalf and the Steelers’ interest can lead to a pivotal decision by Rodgers.