Steelers’ Highsmith Shrugs Off Aaron Rodgers Rumors: ‘Not a Distraction’

The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to quarterback drama, but the swirling rumors about Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the team haven’t fazed their locker room. Star linebacker Alex Highsmith brushed off the speculation, saying the team’s focus remains on the grind, not the gossip.

"We’re in there working, plain and simple," Highsmith said on NFL Network’s The Insiders. "The Rodgers talk? It’s not a distraction. If he signs, we’ll be pumped to have a Hall-of-Fame quarterback like him. He’s one of the best ever."

Last season, the Steelers powered through a 10-7 campaign with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields splitting quarterback duties. Both have since moved on—Fields to the New York Jets and Wilson to the New York Giants—leaving the Steelers with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard in the quarterback room. Highsmith, ever the optimist, is ready to rally behind whoever takes the snaps in Week 1.

"Mason’s been awesome, and the guys know him well," Highsmith said. "He helped us close out 2023 strong. But whether it’s him or Rodgers, we’ve got their backs."

Rodgers, coming off a 2024 season with the Jets where he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, remains a free agent. At 41, the four-time MVP faces a choice: join a new team or hang up his cleats after two decades in the NFL. For now, the Steelers’ defense, led by Highsmith’s 35.5 career sacks, is staying focused on what they can control.