The headline-making quarterback possesses the remarkable talent of making news, whether he speaks or not. In fact, Rodgers is generating more interest this offseason because of his silence rather than anything else.
That remains a constant theme for the four-time NFL MVP, who hasn’t been known for his play on the field in recent years, but rather everything that comes with the experience off it. It was believed Rodgers would sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the New York Jets released the future Hall of Fame signal caller.
As the clock continues to tick, it’s anyone’s guess whether he plays for Pittsburgh or announces his retirement.
During an appearance on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’ on Friday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero spoke about Rodgers’ immediate NFL future and why there is still a good bit of uncertainty.
‘I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,’ Pelissero said. ‘There’s all these signs that he’s coming, but he’s not affirmatively said, ‘Hey, June 9, book me the ticket, I’m coming in and I’m gonna join this team.’ That has not happened as of this point.’
Pelissero added that the Steelers are operating under the assumption that Rodgers will eventually sign, but he pondered the idea that the quarterback could change his mind given his unique nature.
Options have dried up on the open market for Pittsburgh, who put all their eggs in the Rodgers basket this offseason. Russell Wilson left to sign with the New York Giants and Justin Fields inked a deal with the Jets, essentially emptying their quarterback room from last season.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on Saturday that the Steelers are just hanging around right now.
‘When I talk to people with the team they say the same thing, that they have had contact with Aaron Rodgers,’ Fowler said. ‘They’ve remained optimistic that he will be a Steeler, but there is just nothing fast and firm yet on him signing with the team. So they continue to develop Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in OTAs.’
Fowler noted that the situation has been unpredictable.
Steelers’ mandatory minicamp is slated for June 10-12, leaving little margin for any bumps in the road going forward.
Rodgers previously visited the Steelers’ facility, but has offered little certainty surrounding the situation in his few public appearances.
He said on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ in April that retirement was still a possibility and that he was dealing with some personal things behind the scenes. Rodgers also made an appearance on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ but didn’t discuss anything football related.
More recently, he offered up some information on the “You Know What I Mean” podcast, saying he wouldn’t play for the Chicago Bears, but there is a team that makes a trip to the Windy City next season.
As the season quickly approaches and the offseason begins to fade, the Steelers are stuck in a holding pattern.
After all, only Rodgers knows what will happen and what his future holds.