Adam Schefter explains how Aaron Rodgers played role in Steelers passing on Shedeur Sanders in 2025 NFL Draft

ESPN’s Adam Schefter explained how Aaron Rodgers could’ve played a role in the Steelers passing on Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. The 2025 NFL Draft was nearly four rounds done with Pittsburgh passing on Sanders once again.

Rodgers and the Steelers have flirted with a partnership for a bulk of the offseason. But nothing has been made official yet, whether Rodgers joins the team or retires.

Either way, passing on Sanders with already two quarterbacks on the roster could signal Rodgers is going to sign with Pittsburgh. At least, that was pondered by Schefter.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers, for the third time in this draft, bypass the quarterback and opted for a different player this time, Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer,” Schefter said on the NFL Draft broadcast. “And that should tell you that the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a feeling of confidence that Aaron Rodgers is going to wind up in Pittsburgh, and that could have contributed to their decision to bypass quarterback in this draft with the three picks that they’ve had so far.”

Shedeur Sanders slide caused by Aaron Rodgers?

ESPN’s Peter Schrager provided more context to Sanders’ camp, which includes Deion Sanders and other reps. It does not include a traditional agent.

“Adam, as I noted earlier in the program, this is not a traditional situation by any means,” Schrager said. “It’s also not a traditional situation for a day three pick. Shedeur Sanders does not have a traditional agent, so there is not an agent who is now working the phones, necessarily in a traditional way. It’s going to be through Deion, Shedeur and Deion’s camp, and we have an answer, hopefully, in the next few hours.”

Schefter reminded the viewing and listening audience that all 32 teams passed on Sanders multiple times. Pretty much, it’s a guessing game as to where he ends up.

“We’re at the point in the draft where all these teams have now bypassed Shedeur Sanders multiple times, many have drafted quarterbacks,” Schefter said. “We’re in an area where there’s the dynamic to evaluate how he would fit into your quarterback room, as much as how much you might improve your roster. But it continues to be the one question that hangs over this 2025 NFL Draft.”