Steelers Hold Draft Strategy Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty

PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers remain optimistic about acquiring free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, despite not selecting a quarterback in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Team president Art Rooney shared this outlook during a Friday interview with Steelers Nation Radio.

While discussing the draft strategy before their pick at No. 83, Rooney emphasized that the pursuit of Rodgers did not significantly alter their approach. The team chose to draft running back Kaleb Johnson at No. 83 instead of going with Shedeur Sanders or other available quarterbacks.

“We really did not factor whether Aaron is coming or not into that,” Rooney said. “If we draft a quarterback — and we still might — it’s probably not someone who’s going to start for us this year.” He clarified that any selected quarterback would likely be a developmental player for future seasons.

The Steelers currently have only two quarterbacks on their roster — Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Rooney confirmed they could potentially select a quarterback later in the draft but expressed confidence in Rodgers’ interest in joining the team.

“We’re still kind of getting the same signals that we’ve been getting recently,” he added. “He does want to come here, so I do think we may get word soon.”

In light of Rodgers’ situation, Rooney indicated the team’s draft strategy remains unchanged. He suggested that, even if a quarterback is selected, that player would not necessarily compete for a starting position this season.

The Steelers haven’t ignored their needs in other positions either, drafting edge rusher Jack Sawyer in the fourth round and committing to bringing four quarterbacks to training camp. As other options, including Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons, loom in the background, the team’s OFFICIAL stance remains clear: focus on elevating their roster while hoping to secure Rodgers.

As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike are left anticipating the next steps for both the Steelers and Rodgers as the NFL Draft progresses.