The Pittsburgh Steelers endured a long, uncertain offseason waiting for a response from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The delay caused mounting frustration among fans, as speculation grew over whether the veteran quarterback would join the team. Ultimately, the wait was worth it. Just before mandatory minicamp, Rodgers signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh. Immediately after putting pen to paper, he reported to the team and began preparing for the 2025 NFL season, officially becoming the Steelers’ new starting quarterback.
Now that Rodgers is in the fold, many questions are swirling around his arrival and what it means for the franchise moving forward. Can the four-time MVP revitalize the Steelers and guide them back into Super Bowl contention? Opinions on this vary. Some fans and analysts are optimistic about what Rodgers brings to the table, pointing to his championship pedigree and leadership. Others remain skeptical, concerned about his age, recent injury history, and how long he’ll stay motivated to play at an elite level.
Another major point of discussion is the duration of Rodgers’ stint in Pittsburgh. With only a one-year deal in place, the future remains murky. Will Rodgers decide to hang up his cleats after 2025? Could he be persuaded to play another year or two if things go well? At this point, those answers remain elusive. However, that hasn’t stopped speculation about what the Steelers might do next at the quarterback position.
According to Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, the Steelers could already be preparing for life after Rodgers. Gagnon floated a bold prediction that Pittsburgh might make a splash at the 2025 NFL trade deadline by acquiring Baker Mayfield from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He theorizes that if the Buccaneers struggle during the season, the team might consider dealing Mayfield, especially if they’re looking to reset their roster.
While that scenario sounds dramatic, many consider it far-fetched. Mayfield has solidified himself as the franchise quarterback in Tampa Bay. After producing consecutive impressive seasons, including a stellar 2024 campaign where he threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and completed 71.4% of his passes, it’s hard to imagine the Buccaneers parting ways with him. Despite the unpredictability of the NFL, trading a quarterback who’s thriving in his role would be shocking.
Nonetheless, if Tampa Bay did make Mayfield available, Pittsburgh could be a logical destination. The Steelers would benefit from securing a long-term solution at quarterback, especially if Rodgers’ time with the team ends after just one year. Still, this scenario remains purely speculative. Gagnon’s projection, while compelling, is highly unlikely to come true. However, it opens the door to interesting discussions about the Steelers’ quarterback future beyond the 2025 season.
