The Steelers remain optimistic about potentially signing free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers as they await his decision regarding the 2025 NFL season. At the league meeting in Palm Beach, Steelers President Art Rooney II expressed confidence in their recent interactions with Rodgers, stating, “We’ll see what happens. And hopefully, we’ll know something soon.”
The Steelers have been pursuing Rodgers following his release by the New York Jets at the start of the free agency period on March 12. Rooney emphasized their eagerness but clarified, “(We won’t wait) forever, but a little longer.”
The team’s outreach included a meeting with Rodgers two weeks prior. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has maintained consistent communication with the quarterback since then. Additionally, it was reported that Rodgers recently trained with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at UCLA. Rooney noted, “I would say it was a good sign that he wanted to do that.”
Rooney is also satisfied with other roster enhancements during free agency, enabling the Steelers to, as he puts it, “pick up some players that I think can help us.” The team’s acquisitions include Mason Rudolph, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Malik Harrison, Kenneth Gainwell, and Juan Thornhill.
In other news, Tuesday’s NFL owners’ meeting saw discussion over a rule proposal nicknamed the “Tush Push,” aimed at banning certain quarterback-assisting plays, being postponed. Rooney said, “It was a combination of things,” indicating a broader discussion had taken place.
Meanwhile, an initiative proposed by the Steelers allowing teams to directly engage with free agent players instead of their agents was approved. Rooney commented, “We think it’s an improvement.”
Other ratified rules include an overhaul of replay usage for game administration, a kickoff touchback adjustment from the 30-yard line to the 35, and ensuring both teams possess the ball during a 10-minute overtime.
A proposal permitting onside kicks at any point in the game if the team is trailing was postponed. Rooney expressed mixed feelings: “I’m not 100 percent sure I’m in love with this rule but we’ll see how it goes for another year.”
Additionally, a Lions-proposed seeding change—removing automatic home playoff games for division winners—was rejected. Rooney remarked, “We were against the playoff seeding.”
Lastly, the Steelers look forward to an international game in Dublin in 2025. Rooney shared the team’s enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to be going to Ireland, and we told the league that we need more tickets.”
