While the expectation is that Aaron Rodgers will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, don’t go writing his name in pen on the depth chart just yet.
Rodgers is still mulling over his future, and one of the options includes retirement. If he does play, the Steelers figure to be the last option available to the future Hall of Fame quarterback, at least in terms of teams he’d have interest in playing for.
There is a belief that the Steelers and Rodgers might have a handshake deal, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Network has completely thrown a wrench in that idea.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show (H/T Steelers Depot), Pelissero said that Rodgers has not guaranteed the Steelers that he will sign with them.
“I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,” the insider said. “There’s all these signs that he’s coming, but he has not affirmatively said ‘Hey, June 9th book me the ticket. I’m coming in and I’m going to join this team.’ That has not happened as of this point.”
This is very troubling for the Steelers, to say the least.
Pittsburgh’s current quarterbacks room consists of Mason Rudolph, who is a fine backup but not an adequate starter, and Skylar Thompson and 2025 sixth-round selection Will Howard, who is obviously unproven.
Rodgers may not be the elite quarterback he once was, but he’s still better than anyone the Steelers have now, and better than anyone the Steelers could still acquire, like Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, for example.
Rodgers is the difference between the Steelers making a playoff push and possibly doing more, and having their first losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin.
