Aaron Rodgers’ Impact on Steelers Draft Plans Confirmed as Mike Tomlin Told to Ignore $10M Plea

Free agent QB Aaron Rodgers caught everyone off guard when he opened up about where he stands with football right now. NFL insider lan Rapoport shared that on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said, “I’ll set it all straight. From the jump, I’m in a different phase of my life, I’m 41 years old, I’m in a serious relationship, I have personal commitments I’ve made… and people in my inner circle battling difficult stuff. To make a commitment to a team is a big thing.” The four-time MVP finally broke his silence about whether the Pittsburgh Steelers – or even the NFL itself – still fit into his life at this stage. But the bottom line remains as it was – Rodgers hasn’t made a decision yet. But his uncertainty is now stirring big questions about the Steelers’ draft plans.

Mike Tomlin’s team has already signed Mason Rudolph to their roster. But all they now want is a quarterback who can help the team clinch playoff berths. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t decided yet. So, as is obvious, the Steel City would look out for a young quarterback in the draft. But what if Rodgers shakes up the team’s draft plans? If he suddenly decides he’s all in, the Steelers might not feel rushed to grab a quarterback early. But if he walks away for good, Pittsburgh might have to get aggressive and trade up for a young QB. Either way, Rodgers is keeping things open-ended, leaving the Steelers hanging a little when it comes to their draft moves. Right? Ummm….perhaps, not! As per Steelers Insider Gerry Dulac, the good part is: Rodgers’ delay isn’t going to affect the franchise’s deal plans. How?

During a new episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Dulac confirmed the host’s speculation that Aaron Rodgers’ delay would not impact the draft plans for the Steelers. He said, “That is correct. They are proceeding along, Rich. I firmly believe that they are all-in on the quarterback in 2026 based on what I hear and what I’ve been told. And you know they will have extra draft capital next year between all the comp picks, they will get the third and fourth round picks, they should get. I believe that’s when they will make a deal to get an extra number two next year.”

So, as per Dulac, the Steelers are locked in on drafting a quarterback in 2026. They’re stacking up draft picks, with extra third- and fourth-rounders expected next year. And the plan is – use that extra ammo to trade up for one of the big-name quarterback prospects. Sure, the reporter admitted, once in a blue moon, you find a late-round gem like Tom Brady or Brock Purdy. But that’s rare. Right now, the focus is elsewhere, mainly on fixing the defensive line early in the draft.

Dulac also made it clear that unless something crazy happens and their other top draft targets fall through, don’t expect the Steelers to grab a quarterback this year. It’s still on the table, just not Plan A. So, if Aaron Rodgers decides to come to the Steel City, it’s fine; otherwise, his absence would also not affect their draft plans.

But according to some other reports, the Steelers can potentially draft a good QB this year. For that, the Steelers could trade up in the third round, jumping from the 83rd pick up to No. 68. This deal could be with the Raiders as they eye drafting Jalen Milroe. All in all, Mike Tomlin’s team has two options on the table. But if you ask Mike Florio, he advises the team to back off from selecting Rodgers for their team.

Mike Tomlin should not sign Aaron Rodgers?

Aaron Rodgers finally broke his silence on The Pat McAfee Show after a little nudge from his sister. And since then, everything just got messier. He said he’s willing to play even for only $10 million, but made it clear he’s “open to anything and attached to nothing.” Furthermore, Rodgers expressed – “It ain’t about the money. I’ll play for $10M. I never said that I need a multi-million, multi-year deal… I told every single one of the teams, it’s not about the money … I’ll play for [$10 million], I don’t care.” Life off the field is pulling at him, and, at the age of 41, the prospect of retirement is still very real.

Besides this, the athlete also crushed the rumor that he’s secretly waiting for the Vikings. That theory popped up after Rodgers left Pittsburgh without a deal, even after spending six hours there. But what about the Steelers?

Well, even Mike Florio, who used to back him up, is done waiting. He thinks the Steelers should walk away because Rodgers just isn’t worth the drama anymore. During his recent show, the analyst said, “Previously, my stance on Aaron Rodgers was simple: one, the Vikings should say no; and two, the Steelers should say yes. I’ve revised my opinion. The Steelers should walk away. Aaron Rodgers is not currently good enough to justify the Aaron Rodgers Experience. We were reminded of that on Thursday, when he settled scores, voiced his grievances, and pretended he didn’t want the attention that naturally came with weeks of deliberate silence.”

Last year, Rodgers had a passer rating of 90.5 with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games. He is still considered a good quarterback in the league who can help any team win, but of course, Super Bowl dreams seem unreal at the moment, given his age and decline in performance from his Packers’ days. So, there is a fair chance that he may be hanging up his cleats soon. If that happens, Pittsburgh can just carry on with the plan they have lined up and ready to go…next year!