Heyward’s Starkly Different Approach: Recruiting Wilson vs. Rodgers for the Steelers
Cameron Heyward, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ esteemed defensive lineman, is adopting a contrasting strategy when it comes to recruiting potential quarterbacks for his team. Last offseason, Heyward was a vocal advocate for the Steelers to pursue veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. This year, however, it’s a different story when it comes to the possibility of Aaron Rodgers donning the black and gold.
On a recent episode of his "Not Just Football" podcast, Heyward made it unequivocally clear that he won’t be going to great lengths to entice Rodgers to join the Steelers. His co-host, Hayden Walsh, jokingly inquired if Heyward would be willing to join Rodgers on one of his now-famous "darkness retreats" if it meant securing the quarterback’s commitment to Pittsburgh. Heyward’s response was blunt and to the point.
"I ain’t doing that darkness retreat," Heyward declared. "I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch: Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back."
Heyward’s stance reflects a weariness with the constant quarterback speculation surrounding the Steelers. "I just want to play football," he emphasized. "I’m tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I’d rather have it done. I don’t know what ends up happening. I’m ready to move on into free agency. There’s too much going on."
This stark difference in approach begs the question: Why the contrasting reactions to Wilson and Rodgers? Several factors could be at play. First, it’s possible that Heyward’s experience with the Wilson pursuit has colored his perspective. While Wilson’s arrival initially generated excitement, the situation didn’t necessarily pan out as hoped. Heyward might be wary of putting too much effort into recruiting another high-profile quarterback, especially one with Rodgers’ unique personality and reputation.
Second, the Steelers’ quarterback room already has a potential solution. Mason Rudolph has returned to Pittsburgh on a two-year, $8 million deal, giving the team a familiar and experienced option. Rudolph’s previous stint with the Steelers, spanning from 2019 to 2023, provides a sense of comfort and stability. He appeared in 21 games, starting 13, most of which were during his rookie season. His season with the Titans in 2024 saw him appear in eight games and start five, giving him more experience heading into the 2025 season.
Heyward himself expressed optimism about Rudolph’s return on his podcast. "If we don’t sign a QB, and we go in there with Mason, we feel good about it," he said. "Excited to have him back." This confidence in Rudolph could explain Heyward’s lack of urgency in pursuing Rodgers.
Third, Rodgers’ situation is significantly different from Wilson’s. Wilson was actively seeking a new team, while Rodgers’ intentions seem less clear. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers’ top choice is to land with the Minnesota Vikings, although a resolution to that situation may not be imminent.
"Do I think that’s happening? Not today. Not next week. Do I think it’s out of the question? Not entirely. Do I think it’s likely? No," Schefter said.
Rodgers has been a free agent since the Jets released him after the start of the new league year last Wednesday. Given Rodgers’ potential preference for the Vikings and the uncertainty surrounding his future, Heyward may simply feel that it’s not worth expending considerable effort on a pursuit that is unlikely to succeed.
The situation with Rodgers highlights a key aspect of NFL free agency: player agency. While teams can express interest and make offers, ultimately, the decision rests with the player. Rodgers, with his decorated career and considerable influence, holds significant power in determining his next destination. Heyward seems to acknowledge this reality and is adopting a more passive approach, allowing Rodgers to make his own decision without undue pressure.
Ultimately, Heyward’s contrasting approaches to recruiting Wilson and Rodgers reflect a combination of factors: experience, confidence in the existing quarterback situation, and an understanding of the dynamics of player agency. Whether the Steelers ultimately pursue Rodgers remains to be seen, but Heyward’s stance suggests that it won’t be a full-court press like the one he initiated for Russell Wilson. The Steelers will be the team that they are, and Rodgers can either join them or not.
