First Call: Vikings can't '100%' shut door on Aaron Rodgers; Adam Schefter won't rule out Rodgers retiring

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t entirely giving up on the prospect of signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers may give up on football before signing with them or the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Russell Wilson shows off the arm for his new fans in New York. The Steelers interviewed a successful college quarterback at his Pro Day.

And we find out which former Steeler is heading out to Seattle.

All that in Thursday’s “First Call.”

Never say never

The Minnesota Vikings refuse to completely close the door on Aaron Rodgers. That was the word from ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert on Wednesday afternoon.

When asked about that prospect, Seifert quoted general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as saying, “For me to sit here and say anything is 100% forever, that’s just not the job.”

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on if he can rule out Aaron Rodgers as a possible QB addition: "For me to sit here and say anything is 100% forever, that's just not the job."

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 26, 2025

However, Adofo-Mensah expanded a bit and made it sound like there was no urgency to pursue Rodgers in any manner at this time.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Aaron Rodgers: "Right now ... we're happy with our room."

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 26, 2025

One thing Adofo-Mensah was transparent about is that he at least acknowledged that some conversations were had about potentially bringing Rodgers in as the starting quarterback this year instead of turning things over to last year’s first-round draft choice, J.J. McCarthy.

“A player like (Rodgers), he’s always going to be in those conversations,” Adofo-Mensah said. “But from our delineations at that time, we’re happy with where we are going forward. But obviously the caliber player, we had to make our considerations.”

McCarthy didn’t play at all last year due to a knee injury. Sam Darnold, the 2024 starter who led the Vikings to a playoff berth with a 14-3 record, left Minnesota for Seattle during this offseason.

Also Wednesday, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Rodgers’ options are down to either retirement or signing with the Steelers. But Schefter told ESPN Milwaukee that he isn’t 100% convinced that Rodgers will want to play football for anyone this year.

"I'm hearing he might not want to play." ????

Adam Schefter on @AaronRodgers12 potential retirement. pic.twitter.com/UIGPXFOoj2

— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) March 26, 2025

Big Apple arrival

Former Steeler Russell Wilson made his debut as the New York Giants quarterback at a New York Knicks game Wednesday night.

He was courtside with his wife, Ciara, and making friends with Knicks fans by tossing an autographed football into the stands.

giving @DangeRussWilson a New York welcome ???? pic.twitter.com/bQSSEsc0hA

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 27, 2025

Wilson signed his contract with New York on Wednesday and had this to say (via The Athletic’s Charlotte Carroll) about playing the waiting game with the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers before deciding to leave.

Russell Wilson was asked about Aaron Rodgers and the idea that teams like Steelers and Giants were waiting on Rodgers decision before moving forward with Wilson: pic.twitter.com/BEqCWM6KSS

— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) March 26, 2025

Did the “finding a place that will continue to believe in you” part of that quote stand out to you as it did to me?

The Steelers seemed to have ultimate faith in Wilson after his 6-1 start, then next to none after the season cracked at 0-5 to close out the year.

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Black and Gold visits Buckeyes

Steelers coaches and staff members were in Columbus for Ohio State’s Pro Day on Wednesday.

Coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith were all in attendance. They took quarterback Will Howard to dinner Tuesday night before the event.

“I got to spend some time yesterday with Coach Tomlin and Coach Smith, and I really like those guys,” Howard said via Zac Jackson of The Athletic. “You never know, and anything can happen, but it’s definitely a great spot. They all are.”

The Steelers met with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka as well, according to draft analyst Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda. He ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the Pro Day.

40-yard dash time for Emeka Egbuka (via NFL scout):

4.48

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 26, 2025

After winning a college football national championship, Howard is considered the sixth-best quarterback and the 98th-best player on the board, according to ESPN.com. Egbuka is slated as the fourth-best receiver and 34th overall player at ESPN.com.

See you in Seattle

The Steelers took one receiver away from the Seattle Seahawks when they traded for DK Metcalf. Now, a former Steelers pass catcher is heading out west, hoping to land a steady role.

Receiver and return specialist Steven Sims is inking a deal with the Seahawks. That’s according to the team’s social media feed.

Ready to work. We've signed WR Steven Sims.

???? » https://t.co/2G10Jc3J89 pic.twitter.com/E5GlrRqdDi

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 25, 2025

After one year with the Steelers in 2022, Simms has played for both the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.

Also, back in Pittsburgh, according to Pro Snapper tracker, the Steelers worked out three long snappers: Peter Bowden, Matt Hembrough and Sean Wracher. None of them have any experience beyond practice squad time.

They are all likely names to remember if Christian Kuntz gets hurt, but none seem to be a threat to take his job. The Duquesne alum and Scott Township native has been the Steelers’ regular long snapper since 2021. He just signed a three-year contract extension prior to last season.