Tannenbaum still is not sold that Aaron Rodgers is coming to the Steelers. He calls the four-time MVP a guy who is disinterested’, and if the Steelers can not convince him to come, that is something that would be an indictment on the Steelers, according to Tannenbaum. So, he believes they must have a deal in place.

Most mock drafts projected Sanders to be a first-round pick, with the Pittsburgh Steelers frequently seen as a likely destination. However, the Steelers opted for Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. Then they chose Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round, passing on Sanders both times.

The Pittsburgh Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders three times in the 2025 NFL Draft, seemingly laying the groundwork for Aaron Rodgers' arrival.