The Pittsburgh Steelers still might not know if they’ll have Aaron Rodgers under center next season, but the two sides remain in communication. With free agency now underway, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported on Sunday that Rodgers and the Steelers are continuing to engage in “positive conversations.”
“Though Rodgers hasn’t given the Steelers a concrete answer on his future, the two sides continue to engage in positive conversations, and Rodgers is aware of the ongoing roster construction.”
Pryor also noted that Rodgers is aware of the Steelers’ roster moves, which include acquiring RB Rico Dowdle and WR Michael Pittman Jr. on the offensive side of the ball. While the Steelers lost one of Rodgers’ favorite targets in RB Kenneth Gainwell, a legitimate WR2 in Pittman can help replace that production and then some.
At this point, the decision comes down to whether or not Rodgers wants to play another season. The team will continue adding receiver help and looking to bolster the roster around him, but he could pass the reins to Will Howard and enjoy spending his time away from football. Nothing the Steelers have or haven’t done should be a deterrent to him coming back, however.
Rodgers said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on March 4 that he has no deadline from the Steelers to make a decision. The Steelers seem content to ride with Mason Rudolph and Howard if Rodgers doesn’t return, but they could also draft a quarterback. If there’s a quarterback they like, having a decision from Rodgers pre- or post-draft shouldn’t change their plan. But it will be interesting to see what the team’s plan is if Rodgers isn’t committed by late April.
All signs for a while have been pointing to Rodgers eventually deciding to return and play for the Steelers and his former head coach, Mike McCarthy, for another year. There are no guarantees, though, when it comes to Rodgers. And it doesn’t seem like a decision is coming anytime soon. It’s notable the team has continued to keep him in the loop and continued to talk to him as they go through their offseason business. It doesn’t mean he’s any closer to a decision, but continued conversations could certainly point to Rodgers eventually returning.