Fowler: Steelers Willing to Wait on Aaron Rodgers, Remain Optimistic
The Aaron Rodgers saga is entering it’s fourth week, and there’s still not an answer on whether the four-time MVP will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers is reportedly leaning on signing with the Steelers, but that hasn’t come to pass yet.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Steelers are willing to wait on Rodgers’ looming decision and remain optimistic.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers do remain optimistic,” Fowler said. “Based on everything I’m hearing, they are willing to wait this out. And a lot of people I’ve talked to in the quarterback market, some sources close to Jameis Winston’s process, Russell Wilson, etc. They believe that Rodgers must have some sort of assurance from the Steelers, or vice versa, that they could end up together. They’ve already talked contract potential parameters, he visited with the team. … So does he continue to wait until closer to the draft, or do they come to some sort of agreement [before that]? It appears that nothing is imminent right now, and you can expect the unpredictable with Aaron Rodgers.”
Former teammate and close friend, A.J. Hawk, said on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday that Aaron Rodgers loves everything about the Steelers.
“Well, I do know that he actually really likes all the Pittsburgh staff. He loves the staff, the front office, everything about Pittsburgh,” Hawk said. “The people there, that’s what makes the Steelers, the Steelers, don’t you think? From the top, down, I think he definitely loves all them.”
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network recently provided some in-depth details on Rodgers’ meeting with the Steelers brass last Friday. According to Pelissero, the Steelers did not plan the meeting.
“Aaron basically invited himself on a visit late last week. He was in the building for several hours, he watched tape with the coaches,” Pelissero said on the Jim Rome Show.
As far as contract talks, Pelissero said an offer has been on the table for the last three weeks.
“This deal has been in place contract-wise for weeks. They’ve discussed parameters. This is not going to be a financial issue at all for Aaron Rodgers,” Pelissero explained. “If it gets done it’s going to be a one-year deal. This was a get-to-know-you meeting, everything there sounds positive. I can tell you Aaron has kept a dialogue with various members of the organization, coaches, other players. There’s been communication like this is something he’s really going to do and at this point right now, sitting here in late March the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only opportunity that Aaron has.”
Appearing on ESPN Milwaukee’s “Jen, Gabe & Chewy” on Wednesday, Adam Schefter explained that Rodgers could end up just retiring.
“I think, Chewy, that, first of all, they both need each other right now, frankly,” Schefter said about the Steelers and Rodgers. “And that’s if — that’s if — Aaron wants to play, which I’m not convinced yet that he does. Until I hear him say ‘I want to play’ then I can tell you people are asking that question about whether he wants to play. Like, it’s come up. … I’m hearing he might not wanna play.
“By the way, again, I don’t wanna speak for him because I don’t wanna get called out. We’re speculating. But, it shouldn’t be that hard. You either wanna play for the Steelers or you don’t, right? Like, what are we waiting for?”
The Steelers are really Rodgers’ only option. That’s why it’s head-scratching that a decision hasn’t been made yet.
“I don’t see too many free agents who go visit a team for six hours, think about something,” Schefter said. “What’s the question? What’s the issue? They want you. You don’t want them? Clearly, you have questions. I don’t know if that’s playing for that team, living in that city, playing football in general. There’s something that’s holding you back because they want him.”