Ex-NFL QB Pinpoints Deadline For Steelers To Sign Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still playing the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers nearly two weeks after the NFL draft.

But the two sides could reach a tipping point later this month, according to former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Hasselbeck pointed out Monday while appearing on “The Herd” alongside Colin Cowherd that the Steelers could want a decision made by Rodgers by May 27, which is the first day of organized team activities for Pittsburgh.

“I just mentioned the three phases for a veteran quarterback. Phase 1 feels like a waste of your time. Like, it’s just lifting… There’s no football there,” Hasselbeck said, as transcribed by Sports Illustrated’s Erin Shapland. “Anyway, Phase 2, again, you’re throwing to guys on air, not that important. Phase 3, I think, is really important. So for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I believe that’s May 27. May 27 is the start of Phase 3.”

It’s totally possible that Rodgers, at 41 years old, wants to enjoy his offseason as much as possible before choosing what he does next. OTAs are voluntary, so he doesn’t technically need to be in attendance for them, whether he signs before the training sessions begin or right on May 27.

Rodgers caused quite the stir last season when he skipped mandatory minicamp with the New York Jets. But he did show up to Jets’ OTA practices after coming off a torn Achilles in 2023.

Rodgers signing with the Steelers prior to OTAs and attending the sessions would be beneficial for him. It would help him learn a new offensive system and build an on-field rapport with the team’s pass-catchers.

But Rodgers marches to the beat of his own drum and will make a decision on his own timeline, even though the Steelers look like his only choice besides retirement. If he is still dragging his feet at the end of this month, then the Steelers might lose their patience with him once and for all.

“I would circle that May 27 date as a date that, like, it would be really detrimental to start missing time at that point,” Hasselbeck said.

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