Steelers Rumors: Mike Tomlin Moves Beyond Aaron Rodgers as Outcast QB Confirms Demands For Next NFL Team

Ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the Steelers have found themselves stuck in a quarterback carousel. Just when you thought the Steelers quarterback situation might be finally reaching its conclusion after meeting Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin’s black and gold may have another surprise for us. Word on the street is they’re planning to look beyond Rodgers. Rodgers is taking his time to make a decision. This, however, creates a deadlock for the Steelers as they remain unsure at which round they might look to draft a signal caller. But looks like they are genuinely interested in drafting a QB in the 2025 NFL draft.

It’s not like the Steelers are moving on from the idea of adding Rodgers. But at 41, expecting him to lead for more than a year would be too much. On the other hand, it is difficult to project Mason Rudolph or Skylar Thompson as the future of the Steel City. Both of them have combined for only 11 starts in the last 3 seasons. So, the Steelers’ front office apparently took Alabama’s Jalen Milroe out to dinner. Evidently, Pittsburgh isn’t squashing any chances of potentially using their No.21 pick on a QB.

Coming out of Alabama, Milroe threw 2,844 yards, 16 TDs, and 11 INTs. Yeah, he might not be a prolific passer with lots of room to grow. Still, there’s a huge upside to drafting Milroe. He comes with an athleticism on the ground that is naturally gifted. His 20 rushing TDs last season ranked 4th all-time behind other Alabama’s alums like Derrick Henry and Najee Harris. So, drafting him might be a gamble, but it could be a gamble worth the risk. But wait, looks like the Steelers have more in their minds.

If reports are to be believed, Texas QB Quinn Ewers is one more name in the block for the Steelers. They reportedly met Ewers before his Pro day at Texas. The intriguing part is, this is the second time the Steelers met Ewers, the first one being the NFL combine. The 6’3″ started three years for Texas, finishing his 37-game stint with 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions, along with a nation-leading 31 touchdown passes in his last year of college, taking the Longhorns to playoffs.

Notably, Nate Kosko of Steelersdepot, in his scouting report, praised Ewers for his quick release and anticipatory throwing. Once projected as a first-round pick, accuracy problems and cracking under pressure have made Ewers a probable mid-late round pick. In a weak QB class, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are almost certain to be picked in the top 3. Steeler probably won’t draft a QB until day 2, making Ewers a possible option. But here is a twist about Milroe.

In Milroe, the Steelers have a QB who is clearly interested in wearing black and gold if given the opportunity. “If the opportunity presents itself for me to be his quarterback. I’ll take full advantage of it,” Milroe said, referring to Mike Tomlin. This means the ball is on the Steelers’ court right now. Draft Milroe, and maybe he could be your next Jalen Hurts—who knows?

But while the Steelers might be lost in the thought of a potential Aaron Rodgers successor. It seems Rodgers has some demands for his probable next destination.

Aaron Rodgers’ hidden demand revealed by NFL insider

Rodgers spent about 6 hours meeting the Steelers’ top brass. Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin, and even Arthur Smith apparently spent time with him in the Steelers’ facility. However, once the meeting was over, Rodgers didn’t come out with a deal. Now, you might be wondering if it was related to money. But surprisingly, money isn’t the factor holding Rodgers back from committing to his future. Sports Illustrated NFL writer Albert Breer believes it’s beyond the gridiron and cheques.

Top Comment by Nonobaddog

The Steelers should tank this season and go for Arch Manning next draft.

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It’s the culture that Rodgers is looking for. “I’ve heard Rodgers is looking for a culture such as the one in Green Bay,” Breer wrote in his report. Now, some of you might be thinking, how come Green Bay? Didn’t they disrespect Rodgers in his final years at the club? Well, there’s obviously the bitter part. But Rodgers apparently wants some “renewed appreciation” for whatever he did in those 18 seasons for the Cheeseheads.

He saw that in Jets; that’s why he committed to them. As for the Steelers, he might be seeing something along those lines. Pittsburgh also has a win-now urgency. Stacked with veterans like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and now DK Metcalf. And also not forgetting the fact that the Steelers were patiently waiting for Rodgers. They knew whom they wanted to lead in 2025. Justin Fields was let go, and Russell Wilson was ignored.

Now it’s totally up to Rodgers whether he feels the Steelers can offer what he is looking for. Culture, respect, and appreciation. And there you go, you might have cracked the code of signing a future Hall of Famer.