The Aaron Rodgers waiting game may finally have an end in sight, with Steelers OTAs and mandatory minicamp quickly approaching. From merchandise orders to insider speculation — and growing confidence within the Steelers organization — here’s a timeline of every major report, rumor and leak, from oldest to newest.
Adam Schefter reports Steelers are an option for Aaron Rodgers
Days before free agency began, insider Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers were a legitimate option for Aaron Rodgers in 2025, per league sources.
When the 2025 NFL free agency period kicked off on March 12, fashion designer John Geiger claimed on social media that Rodgers had asked for a Pittsburgh Pirates Misplaced Series hat.
Rodgers to Vikings rumors heat up
On March 15, insider Diana Russini argued that while Rodgers considered the Steelers and Giants as landing spots — the Vikings were his preferred destination in 2025. Russini stated that Rodgers viewed Minnesota as more Super Bowl-ready than Pittsburgh — but clearly the feeling wasn’t mutual, as the Vikings made it clear that second-year QB J.J. McCarthy was their guy.
Steelers hosted Rodgers for a visit
At the end of March, Rodgers had reportedly snuck through the back door of the Steelers facility to meet with GM Omar Khan, HC Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith, and others. Insider Gerry Dulac broke the news — and Rodgers later confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that the meeting went well.
Art Rooney II says all signs on Rodgers arrival are positive
ESPN’s Brook Pryor reported on April 1 that Steelers President Art Rooney was confident in Rodgers’ imminent arrival in Pittsburgh. Rooney admitted that he didn’t expect the signing to take so long — but stated the Steelers would wait “a little while longer.”
Big Night AHT signing rumors
One of the biggest Steelers rumors this offseason was Rodgers potentially announcing his Steel City decision at Pat McAfee’s Big Night AHT — but he didn’t attend the event. McAfee would acknowledge that Rodgers reached out and said it was because he didn’t want to take away from the other entertaining individuals that night.
The Pat McAfee Show appearance
On the April 17 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers finally cleared the air regarding his 2025 future — addressing his departure from the Jets, Ben Roethlisberger’s Vikings speculation, retirement, and a potential Steelers signing. Ultimately, the biggest takeaway was that it came down to retirement or Pittsburgh for the four-time MVP.
Rooney says Aaron Rodgers wants to come to Pittsburgh
Just before Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, Rooney made an appearance on Steelers Nation Radio and commented on Rodgers’ future — that the four-time MVP wants to play for the Steelers. The Steelers would go on to pass on top-QB prospect Shedeur Sanders throughout Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft — further pushing the narrative that Rodgers’ arrival was imminent.
Rodgers joins Pittsburgh country club rumor surfaces
On May 10, Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan claimed that Rodgers had allegedly joined Nevillewood Country Club — one of the top-rated golf courses in the Pittsburgh area. Less than eight hours later, CBS Pittsburgh’s Rich Walsh shot down the rumor — stating that he had been in contact with the country club and that, while they’d love to have Rodgers, the four-time MVP had not joined.
Steelers fan reportedly spots Rodgers leaving Pittsburgh hotel
On 93.7 The Fan, “Brett from Southside” called in and reported that Rodgers was spotted leaving a hotel in Pittsburgh’s Strip District on Friday, May 23 — just days away from the beginning of Steelers OTAs on May 27. A small rumor spark that set up for a bigger bang from Rodgers himself.
Rodgers’ hint at Steelers signing at Mike Stud concert goes viral
Video of Rodgers’ Q&A at a Mike Stud concert was uploaded on Friday, May 23 — where the four-time MVP was asked if he’d ever consider playing for the Bears. He jokingly declined and hinted at potentially facing them on the road in 2025. With the Steelers scheduled to visit Chicago in Week 12 — and other landing spots essentially nonexistent — there’s little doubt which team Rodgers was referencing.