Will Teams Regret Passing on Shedeur & Could Rodgers Thrive with the Steelers?
The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and two intriguing storylines have emerged that could have a significant impact on the league’s future. First, will teams regret passing on Shedeur Sanders? The son of legendary NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football, putting up huge numbers and leading Colorado to national prominence. The question is: will NFL teams overlook his talents or realize, too late, that they missed an opportunity to secure a game-changing QB?
Second, could Aaron Rodgers—who has already reinvented himself after joining the New York Jets—find success with a different NFC contender, the Pittsburgh Steelers? Rodgers has had his share of ups and downs with the Jets, but there’s no denying his elite skill set. Could a reunion with Mike Tomlin’s gritty, playoff-contending Steelers be the perfect marriage between a Hall-of-Fame QB and a franchise looking to get back to championship contention?
Let’s break it down.
Will Teams Regret Passing on Shedeur Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders has been one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football over the past couple of seasons, and with his blend of raw talent, football IQ, and leadership abilities, it’s easy to see why he’s drawing attention from NFL scouts. His rapid rise to fame—especially after his father, Deion Sanders, took over as head coach at the University of Colorado—has put him on the radar as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Case for Shedeur
Shedeur’s numbers speak for themselves. In his time at Colorado, he has shown the ability to make throws from all areas of the field—whether it’s deep bombs, sideline passes, or threading the needle in tight windows. He’s known for his composure in the pocket and his ability to read defenses, a skill that’s often undervalued among young quarterbacks.
At 6’2″ and around 215 pounds, Sanders has an NFL-ready frame, and his arm strength, combined with a keen understanding of the game, has made him one of the most polished college quarterbacks in recent memory. His maturity on and off the field, along with his football pedigree, adds to the allure. Growing up around the game under the tutelage of a two-sport Hall of Famer in Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s football IQ is beyond his years.
But perhaps what’s most impressive is his ability to win under pressure. Sanders has led Colorado to several thrilling victories and displayed a poise that is uncommon for a young quarterback. His performances in high-stakes games have caught the attention of NFL evaluators, and the more they see of him, the more they are becoming convinced that Shedeur has the potential to be an NFL starter from Day 1
Potential Pitfalls: Will He Be Overlooked?
While Shedeur’s resume speaks for itself, some scouts still have their concerns. His biggest challenge may be the quality of his competition. Playing in the Pac-12—while improving in recent years—hasn’t been viewed as the toughest conference for a quarterback, and some evaluators might be hesitant to draft a player with limited experience against NFL-caliber defenses.
Furthermore, the narrative of “legacy” quarterbacks (e.g., Deion Sanders’ son) often brings with it an increased level of scrutiny. Teams may be hesitant to draft a quarterback with a famous last name, worried about potential distractions or expectations that come with that fame. In short, some teams might undervalue him, which could set up a scenario where Shedeur falls further in the draft than he deserves.
The big question, however, is whether teams will overlook him altogether. With quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye likely to go in the top few picks, some may pass on Shedeur in favor of these high-profile names. But, just as Patrick Mahomes was once seen as a “risky” prospect, Shedeur’s potential to change a franchise’s future might cause teams to regret passing on him.
Could Aaron Rodgers Thrive with the Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their hard-nosed football, stellar defense, and stability at the quarterback position with Ben Roethlisberger at the helm for nearly two decades. But after Big Ben’s retirement, the Steelers have had to adapt to a new reality with Kenny Pickett leading the charge. However, rumors continue to swirl around a potential reunion for Aaron Rodgers—and the question is: Could Rodgers thrive in Pittsburgh?
Rodgers and the Steelers: A Match Made in Heaven?
While Aaron Rodgers is known for his lengthy tenure with the Green Bay Packers, his brief stint with the New York Jets has been turbulent at best. Rodgers arrived with high hopes but found himself in a less-than-ideal situation, one that featured injuries, inconsistencies in offensive playcalling, and a growing sense that his best years were behind him.
But what if Rodgers found a new home with the Steelers, a team whose culture is built on defense, tough football, and a gritty, blue-collar work ethic? The fit here could be intriguing. Mike Tomlin, who has built a reputation for getting the most out of his players, could be the perfect coach to reignite Rodgers’ competitive fire. Pittsburgh also boasts one of the NFL’s best defenses, led by T.J. Watt and a strong secondary. With an offense that includes rising stars like Najee Harris and George Pickens, Rodgers would have weapons to work with, not to mention the stability of the Steelers’ front office and fanbase.
In this context, Rodgers could thrive by returning to a more traditional, disciplined football culture, with fewer of the distractions that plagued his tenure with the Jets. Pittsburgh’s offense may not be as flashy as others, but it could play to Rodgers’ strengths—mixing a strong running game with his ability to make key throws down the field.
What Are the Concerns?
The main question surrounding a potential move to the Steelers is whether Rodgers still has the fire and physical ability to perform at a high level. At 40 years old, there’s no denying that Rodgers is on the back end of his career. His mobility has declined, and his once-elite arm strength has shown signs of wear. Furthermore, Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been a point of contention over the years, and while there has been improvement, it still leaves something to be desired in terms of pass protection.
The Steelers also have a solid young quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and it would be an unusual move for a team to invest in a 40-year-old QB when they already have a promising young starter. So, any talk of Rodgers in Pittsburgh is likely dependent on the Steelers’ willingness to either hand the keys to Rodgers or continue developing Pickett.
Conclusion: High Risk, High Reward
The story of Shedeur Sanders and Aaron Rodgers in the NFL is one of high potential but also risk. For Shedeur, the concern might be whether teams truly value his talent or if they’ll let preconceived notions cloud their judgment. If he falls in the draft, some team will get an absolute steal, and they might regret not taking him earlier.
As for Aaron Rodgers, the question is whether he can rejuvenate his career in a new home. The Steelers’ defense, running game, and organizational stability might offer Rodgers the ideal environment to prove that he still has something left in the tank. If he succeeds in Pittsburgh, it would not only solidify his legacy but also bring the Steelers back into Super Bowl contention.
Both stories carry the weight of potential greatness. The question remains: will the NFL’s decision-makers realize it before it’s too late?
