Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers has flirted with the idea of signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers all offseason, but as of now, he remains unsigned. That’s left Steeler Nation in a state of uncertainty, with anxiety building each day Rodgers isn’t on the roster.
Steelers Insider Gives Timeline on Aaron Rodgers Signing With Pittsburgh
According to Mark Kaboly, Steelers insider for “The Pat McAfee Show,” there’s no cause for alarm. When asked whether fans should be worried if Rodgers isn’t signed by the beginning of OTAs (organized team activities), Kaboly responded, “Absolutely not. It would be a surprise to me that he would show up to OTAs.”
As OTAs get underway, Pittsburgh fans are getting queasy at the thought of a full season with quarterbacks Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard and Skylar Thompson under center.
But Kaboly says fans are focused on the wrong date. Instead of stressing over the start of OTAs, he’s eyeing the team’s upcoming minicamp. “I do think we will see [Rodgers] at minicamp on June 10,” Kaboly predicted.
Steelers Mailbag: T.J. Watt’s extension, disrespecting Mason Rudolph, when is Aaron Rodgers showing up?
Mark Kaboly / Steelers Correspondent
For The @PatMcAfeeShowPITTSBURGH — What you see is what you get with the Pittsburgh Steelers at this time of the year … well, except… pic.twitter.com/SO55PoY70e
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly)
If Rodgers and the Steelers can strike a deal before the June 10 minicamp, it would give the 41-year-old quarterback time to build chemistry with skill-position players like wide receivers DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and running backs Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson.
Are the Pittsburgh Steelers Legitimate Contenders With Rodgers?
While it’s looking likely that Rodgers will suit up for the Steelers this coming season, the veteran QB is running out of time to make a decision. He has to ask himself if Pittsburgh is truly a Super Bowl contender with him under center.
Last season, the Steelers won 10 games using a combination of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at quarterback. But they also lost key offensive weapons this offseason, including running back Najee Harris and wide receiver George Pickens.
They’ve since added Metcalf and the rookie Johnson, but this roster still feels like more than just a quarterback away from competing. Even with Rodgers, they’d still be considered behind the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.
Looking at the wider AFC, it gets even tougher to picture Rodgers leading Pittsburgh back to the Super Bowl. In addition to the Ravens and Bengals, the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos all boast deeper, more talented rosters on paper.
These concerns may help explain why Rodgers hasn’t fully committed to Pittsburgh just yet. If he doesn’t believe the Steelers can contend, he’ll have to decide whether another grueling NFL season is worth the wear and tear on his body.