The NFL world eagerly awaits Aaron Rodgers's final decision regarding his football future. The Pittsburgh Steelers have blind confidence that they will eventually sign the future Hall of Famer, but there are no guarantees until he signs a contract. It has been a long courtship between the two parties involved, and it should conclude as the weather starts to heat up for summer in Pittsburgh.
With OTAs in full gear for the Steelers, many thought Rodgers could've signed a deal to join the team by now.
These are voluntary, but it would be wise for a quarterback on a new team to join his new teammates during this time of year. The 41-year-old declined to make his decision in time to be there, but all signs point to him eventually joining the Steelers. Anything other than that outcome would be shocking.
No other teams seem interested in signing Rodgers, including the New Orleans Saints. There have been constant reports surrounding the gunslinger and the Black and Gold since free agency began in March. Most beat writers who cover the team still believe the aging quarterback will eventually land in Pittsburgh; it's just a matter of time.
Everything remains on Rodgers's timeline, and it's anyone's guess when he accepts the deal on the table from the Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers continues to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers future in the dark
Rodgers has claimed that he is dealing with personal issues, as someone within his inner circle deals with a problem. That has put his final decision about football on pause. It is admirable that he would take care of those closest to him, but at some point, a possible employer needs to know if he will be joining them or not. There doesn't appear to be a deadline yet, but it could reach that point.
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Pittsburgh remains under the microscope with Rodgers as their potential target to become their starting quarterback. It has been unnerving for their fans to see the club go into OTAs with questionable options who could become their starters. Mason Rudolph or Will Howard appear to be their backup choices if Rodgers is ultimately a no-show.
Rodgers has missed plenty of offseason workouts and team activities throughout his career. It's not shocking for him not to sign and skip OTAs. Maybe Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp, which starts June 10, could be a realistic date. On the other hand, Rodgers remains a free agent, and therefore, minicamp isn't mandatory for a player who isn't officially on anyone's roster.
He is a smart player, and he seems bored of the preseason process.
That would happen to anyone going into their 21st season in the NFL. Pittsburgh remains in a holding pattern as Rodgers tries to figure out what the next step in his professional career is. He might not be at OTAs, but this should be coming to a close as the summer heats up. For everyone involved, let's hope this drawn-out saga concludes soon.