Pittsburgh’s Offseason Mystery: Who Starts at QB in 2025?

The Pittsburgh Steelers face their most pivotal offseason decision in decades: solving the quarterback puzzle before 2025 training camp begins. Offensive coordinator Will Howard’s recent press conference admission—“We’re all waiting. Who knows?”—has amplified speculation about the team’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. As rumors swirl, we break down the high-stakes chess match unfolding in the Steel City.

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The Rodgers Riddle: Retirement Rumors vs. Competitive Fire

Free Agency Limbo

At 41, the four-time MVP remains unsigned after an injury-plagued stint with the New York Jets. While Rodgers hasn’t formally retired, his social media teases about “family time” and “new challenges” keep teams guessing. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes: “His camp insists he’s still weighing options, but the clock is ticking.”

Pittsburgh’s Calculated Courtship

The Steelers have emerged as frontrunners, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting multiple exploratory calls between GM Omar Khan and Rodgers’ agent. Pittsburgh’s appeal? A top-10 defense, 40M+incapspace(expandableto60M), and weapons like George Pickens. Crucially, they’ve kept Rodgers’ preferred $23.5M salary slot open—a strategic move first spotted by OverTheCap analysts.

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Draft Day Drama: Why Pittsburgh Skipped QB Early

The Howard Gambit

While rivals drafted QB prospects in Rounds 1-3, Pittsburgh waited until Round 6 to select Ohio State’s Will Howard. Insiders reveal the logic:

• Preserving cap flexibility for veteran acquisitions

• Buying time for Rodgers’ decision

• Developing raw talent (Howard’s 63% college completion rate) without pressure

“He’s been studying our playbook since draft night,” OC Howard told reporters. “The kid’s hungry, but we’re realistic—this isn’t a 2025 starter plan.”

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Plan B Scenarios: What If Rodgers Says No?

Cousins Contingency

NBC Sports’ Peter King reports Pittsburgh has “exploratory talks” with Minnesota about Kirk Cousins. The 36-year-old’s $28M price tag raises cap concerns, but his 67.5% career completion rate offers stability.

Dark Horse Options

• Trade Market: Carolina’s Bryce Young (if Panthers draft new QB)

• Free Agency: Ryan Tannehill as bridge starter

• Wild Card: Lamar Jackson availability rumors

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The $60 Million Question: Win Now vs. Future Proofing

All-In on Rodgers?

Pros:

• Instant Super Bowl credibility (4 MVPs, 10 Pro Bowls)

• Mentor for Howard during 1-2 year window

• Jersey sales spike (Rodgers jerseys outsold all Steelers QBs combined in 2024)

Cons:

• Age/injury risks (missed 22 games since 2022)

• Cap crunch limits roster depth

• Delays long-term QB development

The Ripple Effect

NFL analyst Warren Sharp calculates: “Signing Rodgers makes Pittsburgh immediate AFC North favorites, but they’ll sacrifice 3-4 young starters to afford him.”

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The Clock Is Ticking: Training Camp Deadlines

With mandatory minicamp starting June 10, Pittsburgh faces hard deadlines:

1. July 15: Final day to absorb Rodgers’ contract without 2026 cap penalties

2. August 1: 90-man roster cuts begin

3. September 5: Final 53-man roster due

“They need clarity by mid-July,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio stressed. “Every delayed decision weakens their bargaining position.”

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Conclusion: High-Stakes Poker in the Steel City

As Will Howard’s QB room remains in limbo, Pittsburgh’s front office walks a tightrope between championship aspirations and fiscal responsibility. Whether Rodgers chooses retirement, Green Bay reunion, or a black-and-gold finale, one truth remains: The Steelers’ 2025 season hinges on solving this quarterback equation—and the NFL world is watching.