Aaron Rodgers has given the Green Bay Packers a metaphorical slap in the face a few times since bolting for the New York Jets, most recently with his interest in swapping green and gold for Minnesota Vikings purple.
Rodgers risked ruining his Packers legacy by pushing to lead a Super Bowl charge in Minnesota while mentoring the Vikings' future starter.
This time, it could be Rodgers' (likely) new team slapping the Packers in the face.
While Rodgers hasn't officially joined the Pittsburgh Steelers — or unofficially, for that matter — all signs still point in that direction. And it's Mike Tomlin's squad that could derail a dream scenario for the Packers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Steelers insider just gave Packers the perfect reason to trade ahead of them
There's a reason why Brian Gutekunst's A team visited the Oregon pro day. Several Ducks defenders could interest the Packers early in the draft, including defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
Harmon would fill the void following T.J. Slaton's departure, giving Green Bay's front seven another disruptive interior pass-rusher to pair with Kenny Clark. It's a match made in heaven.
Just don't tell the Steelers that.
According to Steelers insider Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan, Harmon is the "clear favorite" for the team's first-round choice.
"Derrick Harmon has emerged as the 'clear favorite' to be the Steelers 1st round pick. Quote: 'he's the total package.' Art Rooney II has been very vocal about Steelers addressing d-line. Something that didn't happen in free agency. Stay tuned," Fillipponi writes.
Harmon made 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss for Oregon last season, and the best is yet to come. In the short term, he could form an unstoppable combination alongside Clark and Devonte Wyatt while ensuring the Packers have a quality starter for several seasons.
Consider this your warning, Packers. They won't need to trade far to jump ahead of the Steelers. A move from No. 23 to No. 20 may only cost a package of Day 3 picks, if the Denver Broncos have any interest in moving down.
Failing that, the Packers may need to pivot to alternatives. They continue to show strong interest in the projected first-round receivers, including Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, and Texas' Matthew Golden — one could fall into the Packers' lap.
Green Bay undoubtedly needs interior defensive line help. Michigan's Mason Graham will be long gone by No. 23, and the Steelers may prevent Packers fans' Harmon dream from becoming a reality.