Organized team activities (OTAs) are underway in the Steel City and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on a decision from the free agent most expect would be their next starting quarterback.
Four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers has made an effort to extend his contract decision as deep into the offseason as possible, with mandatory reporting just around the corner.
The overwhelming expectation remains that Rodgers will sign with the Steelers, as Pittsburgh may be his best option left from a football standpoint. Most other teams have followed the usual timeline of already bringing in a new quarterback before OTAs so he can get acclimated to his staff, teammates and playbook.
The Steelers, however, are still holding out hope. And Rodgers isn't making the process any easier.
Because this potential signing is viewed as such a forgone conclusion to some, they suspect that Rodgers has at least had some communication with the Steelers to tell them his timeline or plans...
But NFL insider Tom Pelissero says otherwise.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Pelissero reports that the Steelers organization has not received word from Rodgers whatsoever about his intentions this offseason.
"I have been told that [Rodgers] has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he is coming," Pelissero said. "There's all these signs that he has not affirmatively said, 'Hey, June 9th, book me the ticket, I'm coming in, and I'm going to join this team.' That has not happened as of this point."
The franchise and Rodgers have reportedly met multiple times in Pittsburgh earlier this offseason with the Steelers offering him a contract that is still unsigned.
The closest thing we've gotten to any definitive plans from Rodgers himself was in a Q&A session with a musician friend where he hinted about a team "that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip," ... as in the Steelers and their Week 12 game against the Bears? Wink wink.
Other than that? Crickets.
If this situation is as annoying to the organization as it is to many of its fans, Pittsburgh could be inclined to move in another direction if they're fed up with waiting.
Art Rooney II and the Steelers front office have remained patient ... but that willpower to hold out optimism of him signing can only last so long if there are extended periods of no contact between both parties.
Ironically, Rodgers has previously said that he doesn't want to be a distraction.
But in reality, that's exactly what this is.