During the recent league meetings, Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed signs continue to point to Aaron Rodgers signing with the team. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has yet to make a decision on his future, but Pittsburgh continues to loom as his likeliest destination. 
[RELATED: Titans Did Not Pursue Rodgers]
The Giants are out of the running having signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston; the former operated as Pittsburgh’s starter for much of last season. Backup Justin Fields was known to be a priority for the Steelers, but early in free agency he took a two-year pact with the Jets. That led to a pivot on Pittsburgh’s part, and the team’s reunion with Mason Rudolph has him atop the QB depth chart for the time being.
The Steelers made an offer early in free agency, and with a clear lack of other suitors in play it has not yet been increased. Pittsburgh is prepared to wait for a unknown period of time, but the draft looms as a logical deadline for an agreement to be reached. As the NFL world continues to wait on this front, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Steelers are still “optimistic” about a Rodgers signing taking place (h/t Bleacher Report). He adds, though, that no movement has taken place since Rooney’s remarks pointed to a contract being on the horizon.
Retirement looms as a possibility for Rodgers, although the 41-year-old preferred to remain with the Jets for at least the 2025 campaign. Hanging up his cleats was mentioned as an option for the four-time MVP at the time the Vikings were a possible landing spot, something which technically remains the case at this point. Even though Rodgers made it known to the team Minnesota was his preferred destination, Fowler confirms the Vikings are out of the running unless the parties circle back to one another in the summer.
It was learned last week Rodgers reached out to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell to relay his interest in playing for Minnesota. Several conversations took between the two, and Fowler’s colleague Kevin Seifert notes a number of players – including projected 2025 starter J.J. McCarthy – were made aware of those talks. O’Connell also spoke with the likes of wideout Justin Jefferson and right tackle Brian O’Neill about the prospect of signing Rodgers. Such a move had support from some in the organization, but it would now come as a surprise if it were to take place.
On the topic of retirement, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports it should be considered unlikely at this point (video link). He confirms no progress toward a Rodgers-Steelers agreement appears to have been made over the coming days, although Rodgers’ recent throwing session with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf has continued to fuel the belief one will come into play at some point this offseason. If that proves to be the case, Pittsburgh’s short-term setup at the QB spot will be secure, while the Vikings will continue to be in the market for a veteran insurance option.
For those who thought the Rodgers-Jets saga took forever to cross the finish line, we have the sequel to make it look like it was over in the blink of an eye
So, even if Pittburgh lands this aging egotistical jerk, they’ll have the pleasure of knowing he’d prefer to play for a team that doesn’t even want him.
Yeah, exactly. I don’t get this courtship where you are essentially the fall-back option. But that said, I just wish this soap opera would end already
I really don’t expect him to sign any where till the Monday after the draft when FA signings no longer count toward draft pick compensation
@tjeck109. That’s probably the holdup. Rodgers doesn’t want to give the Jets a comp pick. Sounds like the deal is in place. I’m not sure how much but it wouldn’t surprise if it’s 1/20. That’s a 5th or 6th round pick. It’s possible vikings might be in on him after the draft too.
@Rexhudler86 – 1/20 would be a 4th rd pick, that’s what Fields got for AAV. But yeah that makes even more sense. His only way to stick it to the Jets this offseason is to screw them out of a 4th rd pick (and beat them on the road while being booed).
@captain k mid. It’s not exactly cut n dry it depends on what left and what came in. It was a guess. Najaee Harris left but the chargers are paying him a 4 million base. Hortiz came from the ravens and knows the game. I’m not sure if anyone really knows but that was definitely intentional, I’m sure he has easy bonuses built in.
He has the connection to McAfee
Apparently McAfee has a “sold out show “ ar PPG Paints Arena (yeah, there’s a sucker born every minute)
Would not surprise me if Rodgers makes an announcement.
@george Bailey. He has a connection with aj hawk. Hawk is in his circle of trust, he never says anything but he knows. Still think it’s because of a comp pick. They literally say every day that aj probably knows, but he won’t say anything.
It is not that simple and signings after draft still count towards comp picks. Comp picks is a formula not just guy leaves you get a comp pick. Its offset by signings Jets make.
@Hawktattoo – like was said earlier, only counts towards comp picks until the Monday after the draft. The Jets have already had their signings cancel picks out. They will be in line for a likely 4th round pick for Rodgers if he signs before the Monday after the draft, and the Steelers will lose their 4th round comp pick for Fields (in favor of a 6th round comp pick since they haven’t signed anyone)
He was cut so it wouldn’t count towards comp picks
As a Steelers fan I hope moves on to someone else. His drama is not a good fit with the team, nor is his ego.
Hopefully, he retires and makes Art II look like an even bigger moron.
He clearly doesn’t want to be a steeler. Move on already. QB’s with a 40 rating are not hard to find.
Trade for Will Levis, it’s a better option.
Haha. No way. Trade up and draft Shadeur. Grab Dart. But this? That’s laughable
Kinda embarrassing for this proud organization.
Still laughing. ” Optimistic” About signing Aaron Rodgers? Isn’t that what used to be called an Oxymoron? Or in this case just morons. ” Handling your Quaterback situation for Dummies” Should be in print any day now.
Minnesota DOES NOT want Rodgers. At all. Mic drop.
Rodgers is such a fraud and drama queen. Either you want to play with the Steelers or you don’t. Stop acting like a high school cheerleader who got her panties stolen on prom night after a gang bang
Still waiting for this guy to sign??
Walk away
Move on
He’s not the missing link to the SB
He’s not taking you deep in the playoffs
Just go with who you have. Coaching is hard enough without dealing with someone living on his past glory days