While Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby is celebrating his massive three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, he couldn’t help but weigh in on one of the biggest storylines of the offseason—the Pittsburgh Steelers’ ongoing quarterback search.
Pittsburgh has spent the offseason scrambling to find a legitimate starting quarterback for 2025. As things stand, Mason Rudolph would be the QB1 in Arthur Smith’s new offense. While Rudolph has been a steady presence, optimism alone won’t translate to wins in a highly competitive AFC.
After striking out on Justin Fields and Russell Wilson—who each found new homes this offseason—the Steelers turned their attention to Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP who spent six hours meeting with the team, yet there has been little progress toward a deal. Rodgers remains noncommittal, leaving the Steelers' front office in limbo as time continues to tick toward the NFL Draft.
From the outside looking in, the Steelers’ situation is becoming increasingly desperate. Crosby, never one to hold back his thoughts, didn’t mince words when asked about Rodgers potentially landing in Pittsburgh.
“I think he retires,” Crosby said bluntly. “I think the fact that he’s not with Davante [Adams] and he’s not very familiar with Pittsburgh, I don’t know. I think he retires. He’s about 42 now. I would like that.”
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Crosby acknowledged that Rodgers would make sense for the Steelers but remained skeptical.
“I feel like that would make sense, him going to the Steelers. I think they need a quarterback; they need a guy who’s a vet, a proven dude. But I don’t know. I don’t see it.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck between rock bottom and Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh’s decision to wait on Rodgers could come at a steep price. The Steelers need a long-term quarterback solution, yet their patience with Rodgers might cost them valuable preparation time. Even if Rodgers were to sign, he likely wouldn’t commit to more than a one-year deal, leaving the team back in the same position next offseason.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Pittsburgh must decide whether to continue pursuing Rodgers or pivot toward a young quarterback. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Ole Miss’ Jackson Dart are two potential prospects who could provide a long-term solution.
Milroe, an explosive dual-threat quarterback, could give Pittsburgh’s offense a dynamic element it hasn’t seen in years. Meanwhile, Dart is a more traditional pocket passer with solid mechanics and decision-making skills. Either would offer Pittsburgh a chance at stability rather than another year of stopgap solutions.
If the Steelers continue to wait on Rodgers, they risk missing out on a promising rookie or another available veteran. At some point, Pittsburgh must choose between securing a quarterback for the present or investing in their future.
One thing is clear: Maxx Crosby isn’t convinced that Rodgers in black and gold is happening. And if he’s right, the Steelers could find themselves in a difficult position when the season kicks off.