Mike Tomlin reportedly is the “strongest advocate” for bringing Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers despite failed project with Jets

Aaron Rodgers visited the Steelers' facility yesterday and spent six hours talking to Mike Tomlin and touring the place.

Mike Tomlin reportedly is the “strongest advocate” for bringing Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers despite failed project with Jets

Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers (Image Credits: L-via Open Source, R-via IMAGO)

The possibility of Aaron Rodgers becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler is increasing with each passing hour. The four-time MVP departed from the New York Jets after a tumultuous season riddled with uncertainty. His stock took a big hit as he remains a free agent despite many NFL teams requiring quarterbacks.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in no hurry to pursue their next franchise quarterback. With the departure of Justin Fields, they are left with Russell Wilson and backup Mason Rudolph who is back on a two-year, $8 million deal. However, there is no guarantee that Wilson will be starting in the upcoming season.

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This is because Head Coach Mike Tomlin has his sights set on bringing Aaron Rodgers aboard. As per Ari Meirov, Tomlin “has been the strongest advocate for bringing Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh.” He understands his game and the boost it will give the Steelers offense. Despite a second-spot finish in their division last season, Pittsburgh’s offense was inconsistent under Wilson.

Aaron Rodgers can change that. Last season, Pittsburgh’s starting quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson threw for 3,588 yards and 21 touchdowns, respectively. Rodgers finished the year with 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. His team was terrible, but his numbers were better than most quarterbacks.

Apart from Pittsburgh, the New York Giants were rumored to be interested in Rodgers but earlier today, they signed Jameis Winston from the Browns. This is an indication that the Giants will rely on Winston and pick a potential starting quarterback in the draft. This leaves Aaron Rodgers with just one place to go.

Aaron Rodgers met with Mike Tomlin and the Steelers yesterday

The quarterback visited the team’s facilities on Friday. He spent an estimated six hours touring the place and conversing with Tomlin, a positive indicator for the franchise which has been attempting to sign him since the start of free agency. Rodgers’ disinterest in the Giants may have played a role in the team choosing to move on.

Aaron Rodgers (2)
Aaron Rodgers will don the Black and Yellow Steeler jersey next season (Image via IMAGO)

Pittsburgh has been stuck in a loop for the past few seasons. They record winning seasons repeatedly but can never move past the first or second round of the playoffs. Mike Tomlin is a great coach who can make the best out of any cards he is dealt but this repetitive cycle has begun to frustrate the team’s loyal fanbase. In the current quarterback market, Rodgers is the Steelers’ best bet. The team can focus on drafting their next quarterback in 2026 but for the 2025-26 season, if not Rodgers, then whom?

Despite leaving the team’s facility without signing a deal, it is safe to assume that news of them arriving at a mutual agreement will surface in the next week. The Steelers’ offense has received a major boost after they brought in DK Metcalf from Seattle.

With him and George Pickens as his receivers, Rodgers has an incentive to join a team that has the essential tools to win. The one area where the Steelers’ offense has taken a step backward is at running back.

With the departure of Najee Harris, they will look to the NFL Draft to choose their next running back. The team is considering signing J.K. Dobbins and they will be hosting Ollie Gordon II of OSU in the upcoming days to see if he can be a good fit in their system.

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