As the dust settles on the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a key piece of insider information may help explain the Pittsburgh Steelers’ surprising draft night strategy. According to ESPN NFL Insider Josina Anderson, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers was asked to give the Steelers a decision on his football future within 48 hours leading up to Thursday's draft kickoff.
Now, as we find ourselves on the other side of the first round, it's becoming clear that Pittsburgh may have acted based on what Rodgers told them behind closed doors. The Steelers held the 21st overall pick, and with uncertainty surrounding their quarterback room, many anticipated they’d select a potential franchise QB.
Shedeur Sanders, a highly-touted prospect many believed would be the second quarterback off the board, was still available when Pittsburgh was on the clock. Yet, rather than make the obvious move, the Steelers opted to bolster their defense, selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, one of the top interior linemen in the class.
READ MORE: Steelers’ 2025 QB strategy is becoming crystal clear (and it’s bold)
This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering Sanders continued to slide after the New Orleans Saints passed on him with the 9th pick. The Saints, like the Steelers, are facing quarterback uncertainty, which made their decision to go with offensive tackle Kevin Banks Jr. even more surprising.
Aaron Rodgers' decision (or lack thereof) will not hinder the Pittsburgh Steelers from drafting a QB
But Pittsburgh’s move may not have been about Sanders at all—it may have been about Rodgers.
If Rodgers voiced his intention to return for the 2025 season prior to the draft, it explains why Pittsburgh felt no urgency to reach for a quarterback. Instead, they played the board smartly, selecting a high-impact defender while knowing their quarterback situation might already be resolved.
With Sanders still available heading into Day 2 and Pittsburgh holding additional draft capital, their patience has placed them in an enviable position. They can still add a developmental quarterback like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe later in the draft, all while preparing for what could be one final run with one of the NFL's greats under center.
Rodgers’ declaration hasn’t been announced, but based on how the Steelers operated Thursday night, I have growing confidence in Pittsburgh that his answer is coming. It’s the one they were hoping for. The only question now is: when will the rest of us hear it?