The Pittsburgh Steelers are running out of time to either finalize a deal with Aaron Rodgers or pivot to alternative quarterback options.
Reports suggest Rodgers may be waiting to see how the NFL Draft plays out—particularly how it impacts Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation—before deciding whether to accept the contract offer the team reportedly extended weeks ago.
Currently, the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart includes only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. With the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, Pittsburgh is viewed as a strong candidate to select a QB, according to betting odds.
Rodgers may be hesitant to commit if Pittsburgh drafts someone like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, a prospect potentially ready to start as a rookie. That scenario could complicate what may be Rodgers’ final season in the NFL.
If the draft causes Rodgers to pass on Pittsburgh, or if he chooses retirement or signs elsewhere, the Steelers could explore trading for a capable quarterback to provide depth and flexibility.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed a trade on April 18 in which the Steelers send a fourth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for quarterback Will Levis and a fifth-round selection. Knox noted that Levis’ skill set could fit well with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who previously had success with dual-threat QB Justin Fields.
While Levis doesn’t match Fields’ mobility, he’s mobile enough to keep defenses guessing and has the arm strength to open up the field for receivers like George Pickens and DK Metcalf.
Levis, who was drafted 33rd overall by Tennessee in 2023, has started 21 games over two seasons, throwing for 3,900 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He’s under contract for two more years on a $9.5 million rookie deal and will be 26 next season.
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