The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been viewed as a model of stability, but the quarterback position has remained a puzzling challenge since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime years began to fade.
However, one ESPN analyst believes the organization already has its solution in place.
“Here’s my thought on the [Aaron] Rodgers situation with Steelers. I think it’s a done deal. I think he’s 100 percent gonna go play for them. Now that is not me knowing anything, and there might be people who know a lot more than me. … I respectfully won’t believe it. I just think it’s a done deal,” Orlovsky said.
He’s going to be the Steelers QB pic.twitter.com/wpsayglgey
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 1, 2025
His reasoning stems from the Steelers’ organizational philosophy.
Orlovsky argues that a franchise with its pedigree wouldn’t leave something as crucial as its starting quarterback to chance, especially competing in a division featuring Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.
With the No. 21 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and what many consider a thin quarterback class beyond the top prospects, Orlovsky believes the Steelers must have a concrete plan already established.
While the specifics remain murky, Orlovsky is convinced Pittsburgh’s decision has essentially been made.
He predicts a Rodgers signing will materialize before or after the draft, but the result is all but certain.
However, Orlovsky’s confidence might be overlooking the Steelers’ recent track record at the position.
Since Roethlisberger first mentioned retirement, the organization has struggled to craft a coherent succession strategy.
From the Mason Rudolph experiment to the Kenny Pickett draft pick and subsequent Russell Wilson signing, the quarterback position hasn’t been handled with the same precision that defines other aspects of the franchise.
