The Pittsburgh Steelers have established themselves as even more of an overwhelming favorite to sign Aaron Rodgers now that Russell Wilson is no longer available, but it is possible the star quarterback still has not ruled out one surprising option.
Rodgers at one point had offers from both the Steelers and New York Giants. The Giants signed Wilson to a one-year, $21 million deal on Tuesday, which unofficially takes them out of the Rodgers sweepstakes. That means it is only a matter of time before Rodgers signs with the Steelers, right?
Time will tell.
During Wednesday’s edition of “Good Morning Football” on NFL Network, Ian Rapoport said he would not rule out Rodgers retiring.
“It seems that for Rodgers, it’s going to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. Certainly, the team he visited, certainly the leader in the clubhouse for Aaron Rodgers,” Rapoport said, via Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. “Or he’s gonna say, ‘You know what, I’m not gonna play this year’ or ‘I’m not gonna play right now.’ That’s still up in the air.”
Rapoport’s point was likely that anything could happen until Rodgers actually signs a contract. Rodgers has openly contemplated retirement in the past, and it is possible he is doing so again.
Wilson led the Steelers to the playoffs last season. Bringing him back was viewed as Plan B for the Steelers. Unless the Giants gave Wilson some sort of hard deadline, the 36-year-old’s decision to sign with New York probably means the Steelers have informed Wilson they are going with Rodgers. Plus, the Giants may not have been Wilson’s top choice.
In any event, Rodgers remains unsigned. If the Steelers have not received a commitment from him at this point, the team is probably just as uneasy as their fans.
