Key keywords: Aaron Rodgers, Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers, 2024 NFL Draft, New York Jets, NFL quarterback market, Steelers QB competition, NFL offseason roster moves As the 2024 NFL offseason enters its critical pre-draft phase, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II made headlines this week during the league’s annual owners’ meetings, confirming that he expects four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to reveal his final career decision no later than one week before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25 in Detroit. The announcement comes amid months of speculation over Rodgers’ next move, 12 months after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear just four snaps into his New York Jets debut in 2023. The 40-year-old signal-caller, who grew up a self-proclaimed lifelong Steelers fan, has publicly listed three potential options for his 2024 season: return to the Jets to finish out the remaining two years of his current contract, officially retire after 19 seasons in the league, or request a trade to the Steelers to compete for a final Super Bowl run. Rooney noted that the Steelers’ front office has held informal, low-contact discussions with Rodgers’ representation over the past month, and that the quarterback’s decision will directly shape the team’s entire draft strategy. For the past two seasons, the Steelers have struggled to find consistent production at the quarterback position with 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who posted a 61.8% completion rate, 13 passing touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 12 starts in 2023, leading the team to a 10-7 record but a first-round playoff exit. If Rodgers chooses to join the Steelers, Rooney confirmed the team will pivot away from targeting a quarterback with their 20th overall pick in the first round, instead using the selection to address gaps on the offensive line and wide receiver corps to support the veteran QB. If Rodgers opts to return to the Jets or retire, the Steelers will evaluate trading up to select a top quarterback prospect in the first round, with Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and LSU’s Jayden Daniels all listed as potential targets. The Jets’ front office is also waiting on Rodgers’ decision, as they have prepared a restructured 3-year, $110 million contract offer to incentivize him to stay in New York. League analysts estimate that Rodgers’ choice will impact the draft stock of at least six quarterback prospects, as well as trade negotiations for other veteran QBs including Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson. Steelers fan enthusiasm for a potential Rodgers signing has already translated to record pre-order numbers for custom Rodgers Steelers jerseys, with team merchandise stores reporting a 320% spike in QB jersey pre-sales over the past two weeks.