The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting for an answer from Aaron Rodgers, and it sounds like their hopes of signing the star quarterback remain fairly high.
It has been nearly a month since the official start of NFL free agency, and Rodgers has yet to join a new team. Some believe he is holding out hope that the Minnesota Vikings will make him an offer at some point, but they are clearly committed to JJ McCarthy.
During an appearance on “SportsCenter” Sunday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Steelers “remain optimistic” that they will eventually land Rodgers. That is reportedly the belief around the NFL, as well.
“They have not gotten definitive word, but they’re willing to wait a little while longer,” Fowler said, as transcribed by Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report. “That has really been the case for a few weeks now but talking to people that have been involved in the quarterback market in the last couple of months, they believe that the Steelers must’ve gotten some sort of assurance at some point from Rodgers that he’s going to sign eventually. So, we should see some movement between now and the draft, potentially.”
Steelers owner Art Rooney II told reporters on Tuesday that the team has received “positive sort of signals” regarding their chances of signing Rodgers. It is unclear why the 41-year-old has decided to wait this long, unless he is contemplating retirement.
Rodgers had a throwing session with a notable wide receiver last week, so it seems like he plans to play in 2025.
The Steelers no longer have the option of bringing back Russell Wilson, who recently signed with the New York Giants. Mike Tomlin has said he would be comfortable entering next season with Mason Rudolph as his starting quarterback, but Rodgers has clearly been Plan A all along.
