Steelers’ Alex Highsmith on whether Aaron Rodgers saga has become a distraction

Steelers star pass rusher Alex Highsmith keeps getting asked about the same player over and over from peers and friends alike, even though they’re not officially teammates.

The world seemingly just wants to know whether Aaron Rodgers will land with Pittsburgh.

“I just feel like in the locker room and stuff, we’re in there working, and I think that’s just really what it’s about at this point,” Highsmith said earlier this week on NFL Network.

“I know that if he does sign, we’re definitely going to be really excited to have him. We know who he is. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. He’s one of the best to ever do it. I wouldn’t say it’s a distraction at all, but we all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table.”

It seems Rodgers’ only chance to sign with a team for 2025 remains the Steelers, whose other options are rather underwhelming for the proud franchise.

Pittsburgh has journeyman Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard on the roster, but they scream rebuild rather than contender.

Rodgers, meanwhile, could give the Steelers the potential to compete for a division crown and postseason glory.

The pairing seems natural, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Some thought a deal would come to fruition right around the NFL draft in April, be it before or after, yet June is creeping in, and Rodgers is still unsigned.

Rodgers has not offered many reasons why he’s delaying his decision, although he did tell Joe Rogan recently that individuals close to him are dealing with cancer.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II said Wednesday the organization is willing to wait a “little longer,” according to ESPN, while he previously noted the franchise would not wait “forever.”

“I think we just try to put our best foot forward every day, like with who’s in the building right now,” Highsmith said about the team’s quarterback situation. “I know Mason being there, he’s done a great job. The guys are rallying around him and, like I said, he’s been with us before and guys know him, Pittsburgh fans know him. The way that he helped us finish in 2023 was awesome. No matter who’s back there for us, whether it’s him or if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come, I’m just excited. Whoever’s back there, we’re gonna have their backs and we’re gonna rally behind them. Just excited for whoever it’s gonna be.”

The Steelers employed Justin Fields and Russell Wilson last year en route to a 10-7 season that ended in disappointing fashion with five straight losses, including a wild-card setback vs. the Ravens.

Pittsburgh will need good quarterback play to compete in a division with a perennial contender in the Ravens and an always dangerous Bengals squad.

Highsmith, entering his sixth season following a six-sack 2024 campaign, is optimistic about his team’s outlook, even with uncertainty at the game’s most critical position.

The Steelers open on the road against the Jets in Week 1, creating a potential juicy matchup of Rodgers facing the team that moved on from him.

“It’s a great vibe,” Highsmith said. “Been putting in work, guys getting better day by day. … Just really excited for what we’re building.