Defensive end Cam Heyward believes Aaron Rodgers should not have to be persuaded to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers is contemplating his next move after leaving the New York Jets with two teams – the Steelers and the New York Giants – reportedly fighting to snap up the 41-year-old despite an underwhelming 2024 season.
The quarterback is believed to want a move to the Minnesota Vikings, although it is not yet known whether the feeling is mutual.
It leaves Rodgers in limbo. The last time he had to ponder his next move, in 2023, he retired to a ‘darkness retreat’ where he sat in a pitch-black room for four days, meditating and thinking.
He has not suggested he will do the same this time round but Heyward says he certainly would not consider joining him to talk him into moving to Pittsburgh.
🚨🚨New pod out now! This week we discuss:
– Steelers QB situation
– Free agency
– Interview @minakimes and @bomani_jonesFull episode at the link below!https://t.co/v8eIQw4VCi pic.twitter.com/YwGsb1zvBp
— Not Just Football (@NotJustFootball) March 18, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Heyward has simple pitch to Rodgers
He told his podcast ‘Not Just Football’: “I ain’t doing that darkness retreat. I don’t need any of that crap.
“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. That’s simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers, if you want to be a part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”
The Steelers are short at QB with neither of the men who fought over the position last season returning as it stands.
Justin Fields has joined the Jets – effectively to replace Rodgers – while Russell Wilson has other options and recently visited the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
Kirk Cousins is another potential option after being benched at the Atlanta Falcons for Michael Penix.
The Steelers have brought back Mason Rudolph after a one-year stint with the Tennessee Titans but they need more strength in depth.
Heyward hoping QB situation moves on quickly
Whatever happens, it is not an ideal start to the NFL year for the Steelers, and Heyward hopes it is resolved soon.
“I just want to play football,” he added. “I’m tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I’d rather have it done. I don’t know what ends up happening. I don’t know, man. This is, ugh. I’m ready to move on from free agency.
“If we don’t sign a quarterback and we go into the year with Mason, I think we feel good about it.”
