Steelers' Highsmith: Waiting on Rodgers isn't a distraction

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith is adamant that waiting on Aaron Rodgers isn't disrupting the team's focus at all.

"I just feel like in the locker room, we're in there working, and I think that's just really what it's about at this point," Highsmith told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. "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. We all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table."

The veteran free-agent quarterback has been linked to the Steelers for the entire offseason. Rodgers visited the team in March, though no deal followed. He said in April that there isn't a deadline for him to make a decision on his future, while owner Art Rooney II said during the NFL draft that he expected an answer from Rodgers soon. However, there has been no update since.

The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph penciled in as their starting quarterback. Drafted by the franchise in the third round of the 2018 draft, Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh this offseason after spending the 2024 campaign with the Tennessee Titans. He's most known for leading the Steelers to the postseason in 2023 after ending the campaign on a 3-0 run.

Highsmith emphasized that the team will support its signal-caller, whether it's Rudolph or Rodgers under center.

"No matter who's back there for us, whether it's him or if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come, I'm just excited," he said. "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 went 10-7 last season with Justin Fields starting six games and Russell Wilson starting 11. Both quarterbacks left Pittsburgh this offseason.