Mike Tomlin pulled off a series of unexpected moves in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft that caught fans completely off guard. One of the most talked-about developments was his meeting with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had only recently spoken highly of Tomlin, even comparing him to his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. However, what truly shocked people was the revelation that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers also visited Pittsburgh—allegedly in disguise.
Peter Schrager on Steelers passing on Shedeur Sanders:
“This is [Aaron] Rodgers and the Steelers and that’s the future.” pic.twitter.com/vIS8x6qt9n
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 25, 2025
The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been a whirlwind. Tomlin’s decision during the draft added even more intrigue. During live coverage of the NFL Draft on ESPN, Pat McAfee questioned analyst Peter Schrager about the Steelers passing on Shedeur Sanders. Schrager shared that he believed Pittsburgh was the ideal destination for Shedeur, especially after his strong meeting with Tomlin, which reportedly lasted five hours. However, he explained that if the Steelers were still in serious talks to bring in Aaron Rodgers, it would make sense not to draft a quarterback that night. Drafting a young QB would signal a shift away from Rodgers, which the team may not be ready to make.
This led to a heated debate among fans and analysts. Many questioned whether Pittsburgh made the right choice by skipping over a potential franchise quarterback like Shedeur Sanders for a chance at one more run with Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers’ recent quarterback decisions have raised eyebrows. Last season, they brought in Justin Fields with the intent to start him, only to later sign Russell Wilson and give him a shot at the job. In a surprising twist, both Fields and Wilson were let go in the offseason, even after apparent promises to Wilson about staying on. Now, Mason Rudolph remains the most familiar name in their quarterback room—hardly a reassuring situation for a team trying to solidify its future.
As the dust settles, fans and insiders are left wondering whether Pittsburgh’s gamble will pay off, or if their indecision at quarterback will once again haunt them. The draft drama has only just begun, and with Mike Tomlin at the helm, surprises might keep coming.