One way or another, Pittsburgh would love to end the Aaron Rodgers conjecture surrounding the Steelers. No matter if you are in favor of signing the aging QB, the Steelers appear set on trying to add him. Either they sign the future Hall of Famer or ride with Mason Rudolph and potentially draft a prospect too high in the upcoming draft. Neither are particularly great options.
Reports continue to come out after Rodgers joined the top brass of Pittsburgh's franchise during his visit on March 21. It was a long meeting, which included time for both parties to discuss how they could work together. No signing occurred, but a contract remains on the table for the 41-year-old free agent if he chooses to skip retirement for another year and join the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin is spearheading the idea of bringing Rodgers on board. He tried something similar last offseason with Russell Wilson, but that spiraled out of control to end the campaign.
It seems like Rodgers will be playing this season, and unless the Minnesota Vikings come out of the woodwork at the last second, the Steelers remain favored to land the veteran gunslinger. A new report by Mike Florio believes it is only a matter of time until he signs a deal. The same report also speculates that a firm date on Rodgers's commitment to join Pittsburgh could be in front of us all.
It's a matter of "if" not "when" free agent Aaron Rodgers joins Steelers
Both Rodgers and the Steelers have come a long way to this point. It would be baffling to see the veteran signal-caller go through this process only to retire. He is taking his time, and Rodgers only knows when the final decision will come. According to Florio's report, nothing is promised, but Pittsburgh should feel confident about eventually landing the quarterback.
"Regardless, the signs are pointing to Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh for 2025," Florio wrote. "Could it change? Yes. Again, it’s a 'safe bet' it won’t."
Everything comes down to whether Rodgers still wants to play, but it seems he does after visiting the Steelers facility. The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings could hold visits for the free agent. Pittsburgh appears to be in a one-team race at the moment. They are the favorites to land Rodgers despite him leaving the visit without a signed contract.
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It begs the question, when will this saga finally end?
Florio suggested a genuine guess, but it might be a thought that could progress into something. Rodgers has routinely appeared on Pat McAfee's show. McAfee is a Pittsburgh native and will host an event in his hometown on Wednesday, April 9. It will host secret guests joining the fray. Perhaps Rodgers would announce his addition to the Steelers during this event.
"It remains to be seen when the announcement will be made, Florio continued. "If only there were an event coming up next month in Pittsburgh featuring the guy whose show Rodgers appears on every Tuesday during football season."
If this guess by Florio becomes reality, it would line up with Rodgers. Most believe he is a toxic personality who loves attention. Announcing a move like this during McAfee's big event could be the perfect conclusion. No matter when the future Hall of Famer announces his decision, everyone across the NFL hopes it will be sometime soon.