Schefter: Aaron Rodgers is Entering Critical Stretch with Steelers
ESPN insider Adam Schefter believes free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have to make a decision soon.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t given Aaron Rodgers an official timeframe to make a decision, many believe the 2025 NFL Draft is the unspoken deadline. ESPN insider Adam Schefter thinks that deadline could be even sooner, though.
“I think we are entering the critical stretch for Aaron Rodgers’ final decision about whether or not to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Schefter said on “The Adam Schefter Podcast.” “The Pittsburgh Steelers voluntary offseason workout program begins next week. And if Aaron Rodgers decides that he wants to play in Pittsburgh with new teammates, new receivers, new coaches and a new offense in a new city, I would think that he would want to be there, boots on the ground, from Day 1 of the offseason program so he can be on the field.”
The Steelers offseason program officially kicks off on Monday, April 21 — three days before the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. Players will report for voluntary workouts that are limited to strength and conditioning, physical rehab and meetings.
It is the portion of the offseason that 41-year-old Rodgers has become accustomed to skipping in recent years, but it would make sense if his mindset on it was to change this year.
If Rodgers wants to give himself and his next team the best chance to compete for a Super Bowl next season, showing up sooner rather than later will only help with the development of him and the team.
However, Rodgers has been unpredictable throughout this whole process, which is why Schefter wouldn’t be surprised if he drags out his decision even longer.
“He could put this off more and wait longer. Sure, he could do that. It’s not like it’s a hard deadline,” Schefter said. “But if you’re gonna to be going into a new situation, don’t you want to give yourself the best chance to get acclimated to everybody and everything within your power when the offseason workout program begins?”