Pittsburgh used a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to select Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, adding him to a QB room that includes veteran backups Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. None of them is considered a viable starter for the 2025 season, leaving the Steelers with no choice but to continue hoping that Rodgers signs with them.

She wrote that the move suggested that, for individuals associated with the Steelers such as team owner and president Art Rooney II, "(Aaron) Rodgers was very much present in thei

"You have to assume that since the Steelers waited until the sixth round to select Will Howard that they aren't relying on him to be the starter," Lazenby wrote. "Mason Rudolph also shouldn't be trusted to be the starter, so it's safe to assume Aaron Rodgers will end up being the guy."