Aaron Rodgers Reveals Reason For Delayed Free-Agent Decision

It’s been largely a mystery why Aaron Rodgers is still a free agent this late into May, having yet to sign his next NFL contract.

But Rodgers appeared to clarify his situation on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast Wednesday and explained why he has yet to make a decision on where he will play next season.

“I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer,” Rodgers said, as transcribed by the New York Post’s Dylan Svoboda.

The comment from Rodgers lines up with what he said last month on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Rodgers at that time said someone in his inner circle was dealing with a trying situation, and he wanted to put his focus on that instead of his NFL career.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who had Rodgers in for a visit two months ago, appear to be onboard in waiting it out for the four-time NFL MVP. While the Steelers can’t give Rodgers all the time in the world to make a decision, Steelers owner Art Rooney II continues to exhibit patience with the 41-year-old quarterback.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Rodgers could sign with the Steelers in the “next week or so,” ahead of the team’s mandatory minicamp, which begins June 10.