The Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers, but at this point, it might be better for them to look elsewhere. Rodgers has been heavily linked to the team, but with no indication of whether a deal is close, Pittsburgh may need to start considering other options.
Rodgers has stated that he would retire as a Packer if the opportunity arose.
“There’s a lot of love for me and how I feel about the team. If I do or I don’t [retire as a Packer], I don’t think it should make a difference, I’m not sure yet. If they approached me about it, I probably would,” Rodgers said.
If Rodgers doesn’t join another team, he’s expected to retire. The Steelers are interested in the veteran quarterback, but by not signing him just yet, they may have unintentionally benefited — avoiding a demanding primetime schedule.
“The Steelers not having a QB yet — and the uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers — may have worked in their favor. They got just 4 primetime games. If Rodgers had signed, they likely would’ve had 6+ and some holiday slots like the Jets had the last two years, which would’ve made for a much more unbalanced schedule,” NFL insider Ari Meirov said.
A few weeks ago, things seemed promising between the Steelers and Rodgers, with reports suggesting he had given the team a verbal commitment. Fast forward to now, and that no longer appears to be the case. In fact, it seems the Steelers haven’t heard anything definitive from him.
“I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said. “… There’s all these signs that he’s coming but he has not affirmatively said ‘Hey, June 9, book me the ticket. I’m coming in and I’m going to join this team.’ That has not happened as of this point.”
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It’s starting to seem like the Steelers are growing frustrated with Rodgers. If something doesn’t happen soon, they may have no choice but to move on and pursue another experienced quarterback.
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