Aaron Rodgers continues to snatch NFL headlines despite being a free agent. All signs point to him signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a deal has not been completed.
Rumors are swirling that Rodgers could announce he’s joining the Steelers at Pat McAfee’s upcoming event in Pittsburgh, but one ESPN personality wants the team to re-focus on finding a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Former Super Bowl Champion Is Tired of The Aaron Rodgers Saga
Chris Canty played 11 seasons in the NFL, winning Super Bowl 46 with the New York Giants. He now is a co-host of ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike Radio” and recently discussed the Rodgers’ Saga.
Canty said, “If it’s not tomorrow, then when is it? You gotta know before the draft so you can have a plan on how you’re gonna get a quarterback that gives you more upside than Mason Rudolph. I get everything that Pittsburgh is saying about bringing him back, but the reality is that Mason Rudolph the most games he’s ever started in a season is eight. That’s it.
“He’s not a guy that you’re expecting is gonna start 17 games and your team end up in the playoffs. So it’s either get Aaron Rodgers or it’s gonna be one of these quarterbacks, whether it’s Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart.”
Rodgers has been an in-season guest on McAfee’s show, so announcing his decision at McAfee’s “Big Night Aht” event makes logical sense. However, Canty doesn’t want the Steelers to be reliant on Rodgers choosing them. At least one Steelers reporter feels the same way.
In a recent article, Steelers Depot writer Josh Carney broke down Canty’s thoughts: “All signs are seemingly pointing to Rodgers ultimately signing with the Seelers, but until the ink is dry on the contract, nothing can be assumed. It’s a surprise it’s taken this long, but if the conspiracy theories are true, he’ll announce Wednesday night?
“And while it’s hard to agree with Canty all that much ever, he’s spot-on here.” Carney continued, “If Rodgers doesn’t give an answer soon – whether that’s Wednesday night or this week, the Steelers need to pivot and shift all their focus to the draft and the quarterback class.”
It’s fair for Steelers fans to be frustrated with Rodgers. He’s dragged out this situation long enough, and it will likely affect how the team approaches the draft. The four-time NFL MVP is no longer at the height of his ability, but he still operates like he is.
This has caused challenges for other media members and has been arguably the most unique free-agent saga in NFL history. The Steelers undoubtedly have done their homework on Sanders and Dart and should be prepared to select one of them with the 21st overall pick. However, Rodgers announcing his decision before the draft would make life much easier on Pittsburgh’s decision-makers.