Aaron Rodgers has been heavily linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers for several weeks. But they began OTAs on Tuesday without the four-time NFL MVP on their roster.
Rodgers remains a free agent and revealed his decision about his NFL future has been delayed due to those close to him battling cancer. Even though the 41-year-old said he’s had open and honest communication with teams about where he stands, one Steelers champion revealed his feelings on the situation.
“Honestly, I would feel some type of way because this is the first part of structuring a playoff-caliber team right now,” Bryant McFadden said on “CBS Sports HQ” on Monday. “OTAs, now granted, they’re not mandatory, but you are allowed to have as many players there as possible. Especially key components to your team. And we’re talking about the quarterback position. So even if I played on the defensive side of the football field, I would feel some type of way.
“If Cam Heyward is there, if Minkah Fitzpatrick is there, if DK Metcalf is there, if Pat Freiermuth is there, we would like our quarterback to be there,” he added. “And if you’re not going to be there, tell us so the organization can move on.”
Steelers owner Art Rooney II made it clear that they won’t wait forever for Rodgers, but will wait “a little while longer.”
How long “a little while longer” is isn’t clear, but Rodgers hinted last week about where he’d play in 2025 during an appearance on the “YNK” podcast with Mike Stud.
“I believe there’s a team that might play in Chicago this year, for a road trip.”Rodgers said. “I don’t know, I’m not sure, I’m going to check it out.”
The Steelers play the Bears on the road in Week 12.
While Rodgers has yet to make a decision, ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicted on May 21 that he’d sign within a week or two and be ready for Steelers minicamp, which starts in June.