Ben Roethlisberger Has Wild Theory on Why Aaron Rodgers Hasn't Signed With Steelers

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The Aaron Rodgers news cycle has died down a bit, but there are still tidbits about him that come out here and there. At this point though, the discussion is more theory-based than actual news-based or facts-based.

While it was originally reported the Minnesota Vikings were out on Rodgers and fully committed to young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a wild theory on why Rodgers remains unsigned.

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On the Pat McAfee show, a video was shared from Roethlisberger's podcast where he stated he felt Rodgers was still waiting on the Vikings, but keeping the Steelers on the table given they are the only real option for him currently.

"I think Aaron is still secretly holding out for Minnesota, which is why he hasn't signed with the Steelers," Roethlisberger said.

This is certainly a wild theory, but could very well be true. What makes it wild is there is no guarantee the Steelers or Vikings are fine waiting for Rodgers to sign with them.

To build chemistry and team camaraderie, it is better to bring in key pieces to the team sooner rather than later, but Rodgers has been known to take his time returning to his team in recent seasons. It may be a big reason why his teams have struggled in recent years.

On the contrary, it is a bit understanding that Rodgers would prefer the Vikings over the Steelers. The Vikings have arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson and also have Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and Rodgers' teammate from Green Bay Aaron Jones at running back.

Ben Roethlisberger
Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks to Ben Roethlisberger before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

However, the Steelers are the only team that seems to actually want him, and do have solid weapons as well in D.K. Metcalf, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth. The team also seems likely to address the offense somehow in the first round of the NFL draft, partly because they have a great defense.

The Vikings also managed to go 14-3 with Sam Darnold at quarterback, and many, including Rodgers himself assumedly, believe Rodgers is better than Darnold, even with the big gap in age.

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The Steelers had Russell Wilson at quarterback down the stretch, a veteran who was in a similar spot as Rodgers to start this offseason, who managed to lead the team to a 10-7 record but was 6-5 as a starter.

Until the NFL draft happens in late April and more concrete news is provided, all people can do is theorize about the Aaron Rodgers situation, just as Ben Roethlisberger is doing with this claim. It seems more likely still the Steelers will be the team Rodgers will play with, but the Vikings and retirement even are still on the table.

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About the writer

Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth knowledge of the NFL and NBA as a whole, being a fan of both leagues for over 20 years. Seth joined Newsweek in 2025 after previously writing for Athlon Sports, Fansided, and as an intern with Syracuse.com. He is a graduate from Syracuse University both as a undergraduate and graduate student. You can get in touch with Seth by emailing s.quinn@newsweek.com. You can find him on X @SethFQuinn.


Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth ... Read more