By Sunday 
The Pittsburgh Steelers made some waves in the 2025 NFL Draft — and not necessarily the kind fans were expecting. NFL insider Mel Kiper just dropped a truth bomb about the team’s approach, and let’s just say it all seems to point back to one name: Aaron Rodgers.
A Sixth-Round QB? That Raised Eyebrows
When the Steelers finally picked a quarterback, it was late—really late. They grabbed Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round, a move that didn’t exactly scream “future franchise leader.”
Mel Kiper, never one to sugarcoat, gave Pittsburgh a B- grade for their draft performance and offered a pretty blunt explanation for the QB situation: “The Steelers must feel really good about their chances of signing Aaron Rodgers. That’s the only explanation for their approach to the 2025 draft.”
In other words: Pittsburgh is playing the long game — and betting that Rodgers walks through their doors before Week 1.
The Steelers’ Plan: Patch Now, Win Later?
The draft wasn’t a complete head-scratcher. Pittsburgh did address a major need by picking up a defensive tackle early, a move Kiper himself saw coming. But the decision not to lock down a high-end quarterback now? That’s where the gamble comes in.
Kiper went on to say, “Next year’s draft quarterback class is expected to be richer in talent than this year’s,” hinting that Pittsburgh may be hoping to survive 2025 with a veteran mix of Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, or Mason Rudolph — and reload properly in 2026.
That’s a big “if,” though. Especially considering Mike Tomlin’s incredible 18-year streak of at least breaking even could be on the line.
The Pressure is Real for 2025
Let’s be honest: Steelers fans aren’t exactly in a forgiving mood right now. Playoff exits have been the norm lately, and the patience is wearing thin. Whoever lines up under center in 2025 — Rodgers, Rudolph, or some unexpected hero — has to deliver.
Pittsburgh has already watched Justin Fields bolt to the Jets and Russell Wilson sign with the Giants. Neither QB brought them deep playoff success, but both at least kept things afloat.
Now, the Steelers are counting on magic — either in the form of a late free-agent splash or a career season from whoever ends up taking snaps.
Final Thoughts: In Pittsburgh We Trust… Right?
At the end of the day, it’s still the Steelers. As Kiper said, “It’s the Steelers, everybody. We know they’ll find a way to win more games than they lose.”
Hope is part of the DNA in Pittsburgh. But make no mistake — whether it’s Aaron Rodgers or bust, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent Steelers history.
Buckle up.