First Call: Adam Schefter's latest prediction on Aaron Rodgers; Browns share Steelers' interest in WR

Tim Benz
Friday, May 23, 2025 7:53 a.m. | Friday, May 23, 2025 7:53 a.m.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave runs after a reception during practice in Metairie, La., on Thursday.

Friday’s “First Call” has an Aaron Rodgers prediction from Adam Schefter as the Pittsburgh Steelers wait for his arrival. We are looking at Friday’s start for Paul Skenes against the Brewers. There’s a twist to the Chris Olave trade conversation.

And a member of Duquesne’s basketball team has decided to stick around for a second season.

Guessing game

Adam Schefter of ESPN went on ESPN Milwaukee and discussed Aaron Rodgers’ future.

“My guess is he’s going to wind up (in Pittsburgh),” Schefter said on ESPN Milwaukee. “I think that we’ve heard Art Rooney, the team owner, say he expects Aaron Rodgers to sign there, and they have mandatory minicamp June 10-12, so I would think Rodgers is on the table here in the next week or so.”

Adam Schefter suspects @AaronRodgers12 to be on the #Steelers in the next week or so. @JenGabeChewy x #NFL pic.twitter.com/J2va2b7DiQ

— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) May 21, 2025

The operative word in that sentence is “guess.” That is all anyone is doing at this point when it comes to Rodgers and his decision-making process. It’s all anyone has been doing for months, in fact.

It’s also important to remember that minicamp is only “mandatory” if a player is actually signed. It’s not like the Steelers can fine Aaron Rodgers for not being here if he isn’t actually a Steeler.

While, in theory, every other Steeler is supposed to be here for minicamp, on a personal level for Rodgers, that’s not as much of a deadline as we may think.

Competition from Cleveland

If the Steelers really want to trade for Chris Olave, they might have some competition.

Reports surfaced last week that the Steelers may make a run at the New Orleans Saints wide receiver. But Albert Breer of SI.com is reporting that the Browns could try to outbid them.

However, he’s dubious of the idea of Olave being traded at all.

“The Saints got inquiries from the Browns and Steelers early in the offseason and rebuffed them, and Olave’s had a really nice offseason since,” Breer said. “Maybe someone blows New Orleans away with an offer. But he’s not on the block, and I have a hard time thinking he’s going to be traded.”

The Ohio State product put up 1,000-yard seasons his first two years in the NFL, totaling nine touchdowns. But he only racked up 400 yards in eight games last year. He missed nine contests due to concussions.

Olave has had four in his first three seasons.

More sports

• Trade Paul Skenes? GM Ben Cherington downright dismissive of dealing Pirates star
• Amid historically bad offensive stretch, Pirates focus on finding a fix
• Tim Benz: Aaron Rodgers situation is now more about saving face for Steelers than it is the football calendar

Rewind the tape

When the Milwaukee Brewers face Paul Skenes on Friday night, they’ll try to do something they couldn’t do against him a year ago.

Get a hit.

Skenes had perhaps the best outing of his rookie season in Milwaukee during his only game against the Brewers. He tossed seven innings of no-hit baseball before getting pulled. The rookie right-hander posted 11 strikeouts and one walk along the way.

Paul Skenes ties his career high with his 11th K!

He's yet to give up a hit through 6 innings ???? pic.twitter.com/GPsuc1YYAL

— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2024