Steelers Now
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have a specific timeline or a deadline for a decision from free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Sunday.
Speaking with the Pittsburgh media at the NFL owner’s meetings on Sunday, Tomlin said the team has not communicated a specific deadline to Rodgers for him to make a decision, and does not believe the team is being held back by the veteran taking his time to make his choice.
“Obviously, we’re still evaluating the acquisition of a guy at that position, whether that’s free agency and/or the draft, so we’re doing our due diligence, communicating with some free agents and also preparing for the draft,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin did not demand a timeframe from Rodgers during his visit to Pittsburgh, saying he preferred to keep things focused on developing their relationship and making sure the pairing is a fit.
“It was a really good day,” Tomlin said. “Specifically, he and I, have obviously known each other for some time. It was good to spend some time together and get to know each other more intimately. …
“I really wanted to spend more of our time, getting to know him better. Things that he values as a player and a man. What he might be looking for at his next stop.”
He pushed back on the idea that waiting for Rodgers either has or could hold the Steelers back in other areas. He said the team has not been harmed at any way in the free agency process by waiting for Rodgers.
“I don’t feel like our free agency plans have been hindered by anything in particular, to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said. “Particularly the pursuit of one individual? No.”
Despite acknowledging that the team is looking at quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class — extensively — Tomlin said that the team having or not having Rodgers in the fold will not change its draft plans.
“Our draft are our draft plans,” he said. “We’re right now just information gathering and getting to know the whole field. I imagine that focus and those details will narrow as we get close, but we’re a pretty decent distance from some of that narrowing.”
Just last week, Tomlin was at the pro days of quarterbacks Quinn Ewers of Texas, Will Howard of Ohio State and Riley Leonard of Notre Dame. All three of those players are likely mid-round picks. Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan were also at the Alabama pro day to see Jalen Milroe, and will host Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart on pre-draft visits to UMPC Rooney Sports Complex.
With Tomlin saying that Rodgers’ decision will not impact the team’s draft plans, it seems the Steelers are interested in potentially adding more than one player to the position group that currently only contains Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.
But he does not feel that the team needs to add a veteran to...
