Steelers Legend Floats Theory About Looming Aaron Rodgers Decision

It’s been 13 days since free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers visited the Pittsburgh Steelers, and there’s still been no indication whether or not the 41-year-old plans to join the team or not.

Rodgers spent six hours with the organization during their meeting, and although speculations do suggest the Steelers have a favorable chance to become his third career home, nothing has come of it. Pittsburgh’s biggest need remains a starting quarterback, even more so with last season’s tandem of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson removed from the open market — they signed with the New York Jets and New York Giants, respectively.

Whether or not it’s time for the Steelers to panic is subjective. However, Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger offered a reassuring perspective on the matter as the organization and its fans await a response.

“I really believe that he is going to be a Steeler. OK, I’m saying it,” Roethlisberger said on his “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” podcast. “However, the reason in my opinion — my opinion — that he hasn’t signed yet. … I think Aaron is secretly — again, it’s just my opinion — I think Aaron is secretly still holding out for Minnesota, which is why he hasn’t signed with the Steelers. Why else would you go throw with DK (Metcalf) and be working out, and put it out, blasting to everybody that (you’re) throwing with these guys, but you won’t sign?”

The Minnesota Vikings are presumably Rodgers’ second offseason option. Even though Minnesota has committed to quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Steelers aren’t in the clear until further notice. There’s still the looming possibility that Rodgers retires, in which case, Pittsburgh would’ve wasted its time and thrown all its eggs in one basket just to come up empty.

Rodgers didn’t depart from the Jets on a high note, two years after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles injury during his debut with the organization. The four-time league MVP finished last season with a 63% completion percentage and threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It wasn’t enough to keep New York from finishing (5-12) third in the AFC East and missing the playoffs.

Pittsburgh will continue to sit back and await a return call from Rodgers like a teenager in hopes of landing a second date, and that’s all the organization can continue to do at this point.

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