It sure seems like the NFL expects the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign Aaron Rodgers. That is likely the smart bet, but the NFL scheduled the season like Rodgers would be with the Steelers.
They gave the Steelers four primetime games, one international game, and two later afternoon windows. The NFL is saying they expect the Steelers to be in playoff contention and have Rodgers.
Scheduling the New York Jets in Week 1 is the cherry on top, though NFL schedule maker Mike North said if they knew Rodgers was there for sure, they would have put that in a primetime slot.
“You’ll see Pittsburgh at the Jets are on CBS at 1 o’clock in the afternoon in Week 1 along with seven other NFL games all at the same time. I think if the league knew, we probably would’ve scheduled that game for a national television window. So at worst, it’s Justin Fields against his old team. At best, it’s Aaron Rodgers going up against one of his old teams. Look at what we did with Aaron Rodgers’ first game the last two years (both Monday night games). If we knew something, I think you would’ve seen it reflected in the schedule. That being said, still a good game,” North said to Jonathan Jones.
That is probably the correct way to go about constructing the schedule, but there is no question the NFL expects the Steelers to be playoff contenders and, with that, a likely Rodgers signing.
The Steelers have three quarterbacks on the roster, but general manager Omar Khan said they would have four on their training camp roster, with the last one likely being a veteran. Rodgers is the top candidate for that, and Pittsburgh remains confident he will sign.
If Rodgers did not sign, the Steelers would likely turn their attention to someone like Kirk Cousins. Either way, the Steelers will be front and center, just like many of their previous seasons.