If quarterbacks were chess pieces, Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t be just a king—he’d be the master player trying to control the board. But in today’s NFL, even the most revered veterans are realizing just how easily they can be replaced. Kirk Cousins learned this the hard way. And now, Rodgers is watching it unfold, perhaps wondering if he’s next.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking up the NFL chessboard. HC Mike Tomlin confirmed that the team is still evaluating their quarterback options for 2025. This reflects Pittsburgh’s approach to ensuring depth and competition in their quarterback room while remaining open to potential moves. Does this mean the approaching NFL Draft is going to be a playing ground for the team, that is very evidently lacking a starting quarterback?

Well, ESPN’s Jordan Reid certainly thinks so. As per a report published on the website on April 10, the team is not missing out on “doing their homework on the QB draft class — including potential first-rounders”. Even head coach Mike Tomlin seemed appreciative of the upcoming draft class at the annual league meeting earlier this month: “It doesn’t appear to be devoid of talent. I like a lot of the guys that I’ve met. Not only their tangible qualities but their intangible qualities, and so I’m feeling really good about the trajectory of the group and how we’re going to place them on the board.”

Amid this clear decision to keep exploring, whispers of Aaron Rodgers’ potential involvement also linger, making the QB room more than just about depth—it’s about what could have been, that stems from Rodgers’ looming presence over the Steelers’ offseason. Sports broadcasters like Nick Wright have speculated that Rodgers “has the Steelers by the throat,” suggesting he might be leveraging his availability to influence Pittsburgh’s draft strategy and ensure they don’t select a quarterback in the first round. But if they do, is it going to a Kirk Cousins-Michael Penix Jr repeat?

To remind you: On March 13 last year, Cousins had signed a head-turning 4-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, that set him up for a starting role. However, less than two months later, the team shocked the veteran QB when they signed Michael Penix Jr in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Athletic’s Diana Russini reported how Cousins was completely unaware of the team’s move. “From what I learned, Cousins understood a QB would be considered but he did not believe his successor would be taken in the first round. I’m told he’s a bit stunned,” the insider had tweeted. However, Rodgers, for his part, doesn’t seem fazed by whatever the Steelers decide.

The Rothman & Ice podcast captured ESPN insider Adam Schefter’s take on the matter. When asked if Rodgers was waiting to make sure that Tomlin was not drafting a QB in the first round, Schefter bluntly responded, “No,” before continuing: “Do you think he cares? Do you think that he thinks a rookie quarterback is gonna outplay him or take his job? No”. His name may have hovered around the discussion, but Schefter’s remarks underscore the reality—Rodgers was never emotionally invested. Still, his influence on the Steelers’ timeline is hard to ignore.

Aaron Rodgers has made one thing clear this offseason—he’s not losing any sleep over what the Steelers do next. Even after spending a six-hour sit-down with Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, he walked away without giving them a yes or a no. That’s classic Rodgers: no deadlines, no pressure, just doing things on his own clock. 

Still, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t affected their plans. Pittsburgh’s been in a holding pattern—keeping the door open for Rodgers while also doing their homework on young QBs to fill the gaps. They reportedly hosted Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart on April 4 and Louisville signal-caller Tyler Shough earlier in the predraft process. It’s a tricky balancing act for the HC, and one that says a lot about Rodgers’ weight in the conversation. Even if he’s not all-in, his shadow’s big enough to reshape how the team is preparing for the draft. Insiders believe Pittsburgh’s willingness to move ahead with or without him is more about protecting themselves from uncertainty than making any grand statement.

Nobody wants to be the next high-priced QB watching from the sidelines while a rookie takes over. Maybe that’s what’s making him stall for time?

Kirk Cousins’ NFL wake-up call hit Aaron Rodgers personally

While the Steelers seem to be bracing themselves for a potential Rodgers heartbreak, let’s take you back to when Cousins’ plight hit the former Jets quarterback a little bit harder. 

Rodgers took notice and expressed sympathy for Cousins during a press conference. “I love Kirk,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been in touch with him during the rehab phase, and it’s tough coming off an Achilles at any age. Also, they drafted a kid. So, he obviously had a really good start to the season. There’s ebbs and flows in the year. There’s not a lot of patience in this league”. He added, “Kirk’s played at a high level for a long, long time. So, any time there’s a change, that’s got to be hard. So, my heart goes out to him”. Rodgers’ comments highlight his empathy for Cousins’ situation and his understanding of how quickly teams can move on from veteran quarterbacks in favor of younger talent.

The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been fluid since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. GM Khan acknowledged this challenge during his media session at the NFL Combine: “It’s not easy. It’s not ideal. We addressed it last year. We’re addressing it this year. At some point, there has to be a long-term solution.” Khan’s statement highlights Pittsburgh’s ongoing efforts to find stability at quarterback while balancing short-term needs with long-term planning.

The franchise has explored various options, including Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom played for Pittsburgh last season but remain unsigned for 2025. Khan emphasized flexibility: “All options are on the table until we resolve our quarterback situation”. This openness reflects Pittsburgh’s willingness to adapt as they navigate an uncertain market for quarterbacks.

Mike Tomlin’s remarks about constructing a competitive quarterback room show Pittsburgh’s focus on building depth while keeping options open for future moves. Meanwhile, Khan’s acknowledgment of their “not ideal” plan underscores the team’s awareness of its challenges and commitment to finding a solution. As Cousins’ situation serves as a cautionary tale for veterans like Rodgers, both quarterbacks face an NFL landscape increasingly focused on youth and potential rather than past accolades.

Pittsburgh pivoted. Atlanta preempted. And Rodgers? As both stories unfold, he’s watching, calculating, and perhaps quietly planning his final checkmate.

Stay tuned—Rodgers might still have a few moves left on the board.