Steelers Remain In A Holding Pattern
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in a holding pattern as they await veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ decision regarding his future. Despite the fact that organized team activities (OTAs) are already underway, Rodgers has not yet signed a contract with the team. Some believe he has provided the organization with a specific date for when he plans to sign, but that remains uncertain.
Conflicting Reports on Rodgers’ Intentions
NFL insider Tom Pelissero offered a different perspective during his recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. According to Pelissero, the Steelers have yet to receive any firm commitment from Rodgers.
“I have been told that [Aaron Rodgers] has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he is coming,” Pelissero reported. “There’s all these signs that 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.”
While Rodgers has frequently hinted at the possibility of joining Pittsburgh, his actions have only solidified his indecisiveness. As an unrestricted free agent, he maintains the freedom to sign with any team at any time. If he chooses to wait and see if another team suffers a quarterback injury, that remains within his rights, though it continues to frustrate both Steelers fans and the organization.
Growing Frustration Inside the Steelers’ Facility
There is growing confusion about why some within the organization continue to push for Rodgers’ arrival in 2025. If he truly wanted to become a Steeler, it would seem logical for him to join the team now and start developing chemistry with his new teammates. His delay raises questions about his true intentions.
Rodgers has made it clear in the past that he wants to avoid becoming a distraction. Yet his ongoing indecision is exactly that, a distraction. This situation is especially frustrating if, as Pelissero has suggested, some within the team are becoming increasingly annoyed by the lack of resolution.
Steelers Breaking from Tradition
Historically, the Steelers have not hesitated to part ways with players who aren’t fully committed. In fact, they were reportedly ready to trade Ben Roethlisberger early in his career, a move only prevented by then-49ers head coach Mike Singletary stepping in at the last moment.
Despite this precedent, the organization seems willing to wait indefinitely for Rodgers to make a move. This has left the team with just three quarterbacks participating in OTAs. It appears the Steelers are investing heavily in a player who has yet to offer any assurance of joining them.
Ordinarily, the franchise quickly moves on from those lacking a strong desire to lead the team. It may be time for the Steelers to adopt that same approach again, even if head coach Mike Tomlin is still holding out hope. Mason Rudolph, who fits the team’s scheme and has prior victories under his belt, remains on the roster. Alongside him is sixth-round rookie Will Howard, eager to prove himself at the professional level.
As the June 10 mandatory minicamp approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on Rodgers. Whether or not he chooses to finally make a decision remains to be seen.
