Previous reports suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers might have decided on their quarterback by the end of last week. That’s why it felt so surprising on Tuesday and Wednesday when the Steelers still had no answer at the position. Now, as we dig deeper into Thursday, there’s still no answer, and things are starting to get a little bit desperate. NFL insider Mike Florio thinks this is another example of Aaron Rodgers taking a moment to bask in the spotlight.
“And now the team [Steelers] that should have wanted him [Rodgers] all along has made him an offer, and he’s gonna take some time to think about it?” Florio said Thursday on Pro Football Talk. “Get the hell outta here with that. Either take it or don’t. This is, ‘I got one last time to make it all about me.’ He’s the center of attention, and he’s gonna take advantage of it.”
The vibe Florio is giving here is similar to that of many Steelers fans now. Obviously, making a big career decision like this will take time. However, the quarterback carousel started to spin about a week ago when Geno Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. For Rodgers, his most likely destinations have always been the Steelers and the New York Giants. The Vikings have recently emerged as a potential third contender. Still, fans are frustrated with the hold up. Especially since Rodgers has had plenty of time to ponder about his next destination.
After losing Justin Fields and not making a strong attempt at Sam Darnold, the Steelers have put themselves in an unfavorable position. They’re next in line for the Aaron Rodgers roller-coaster, but they might already be getting a taste of it now. Rodgers is excellent when he’s playing well. However, there’s always the extra stuff that comes with him.
Part of that includes paparazzi photos on the beach, as he decides on his future.
Speaking of quarterback news, it’s worth mentioning that the Steelers just brought back Mason Rudolph. Right now, it feels more likely that Rudolph is the backup in 2025. But given how the offseason has gone for Pittsburgh, who even knows at this point.
The Steelers really have nobody to blame but themselves. They’ve put themselves in a position where they have to wait on a 41-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles injury to make his decision while he walks across the beach with headphones in his ear, and a blanket over him like a cape. Things could work out in the end, and Rodgers could have a terrific year in Pittsburgh if signed. It doesn’t seem like the Steelers have much of a choice anyway.
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