Packers News: Matt LaFleur "Fully Expects" Aaron Rodgers Will Sign With Pittsburgh Steelers

   

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has remained unsigned as NFL teams approach mandatory OTAs. Rodgers has long been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a QB-needy organization with several exciting new pieces on offense. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who worked with Rodgers for four years, recently gave his thoughts about what he expects Rodgers to be up to next year.

Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, WI USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles for a touchdown in the second quarter against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during their football game on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers have their own new pieces coming in to what should be another exciting offensive cast this year, but in a recent interview with Kay Adams, head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about a former Packer, namely Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers Jordan Love
Dec 4, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and quarterback Jordan Love (10) listen to head coach Matt LaFleur during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 28-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Rodgers has not played for the Packers since 2023. After a disastrous time in New York with the Jets, the veteran signal-caller has now been a free agent for a long time. While many speculated about where the future Hall-of-Famer would end up, it now appears the Pittsburgh Steelers are overwhelmingly the most likely destination. However, the Steelers still have not signed him.Ezoic

Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) greet each other after their game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Kay Adams asked LaFleur if he had been contacted by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin about Rodgers, and LaFleur said that neither Tomlin of Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have spoken to him about Rodgers. Nonetheless, LaFleur asserted that he expects Rodgers to be in Pittsburgh black and gold for next season.

“I would fully expect him to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

Will Aaron Rodgers Join Pittsburgh Steelers?

Although the general opinion is that it is only a matter of time before Rodgers heads to the Steel City, there are certainly alternative realities where that does not happen. As rookie QB Will Howard continues to receive praise from Pittsburgh, some think that the former Ohio State Buckeye will become the starter and render the addition of Rodgers as unnecessary.

The Steelers, who added explosive veteran receiver DK Metcalf in the offseason via trade and later shipped out volatile playmaker George Pickens, are undergoing plenty of changes on offense even outside of the quarterback situation. Former bell cow running back Najee Harris is also on a new team this season. Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson figures to be a key part of the backfield.

Green Bay Packers DK Metcalf
Jan 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) can’t hang on to a pass in the end zone as he is defended by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (25) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rodgers would be entering a situation that, despite having lots of young players, is still helmed by Mike Tomlin. The former Super Bowl champ and now the longest-tenured head coach in the league has a notorious reputation for achieving winning seasons regardless of circumstances.

Rodgers remains a question mark around the league. If LaFleur is right about Rodgers becoming a Steeler, Rodgers would face his former team on October 25th, when the Packers travel to Acrisure Stadium and face Pittsburgh.