Steelers Receive The Hard Truth On Why Aaron Rodgers Absolutely Needs A Deadline: "Art [Rooney II] Needs To Step In"

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are rapidly souring on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The reactions were mixed when the news broke that the Steelers were interested in the four-time MVP. Many felt that even at 41, Rodgers brings better skill to the field than the other free agent quarterbacks, such as Russell Wilson. Many thought that he at least provided a change or a spark, which alone would be worth taking a chance on. However, for every fan that seemed to be on board, there were those who didn't want him. There were concerns about how much he would cost relative to what he brings to the table. In addition, there are worries about the drama that seems to follow him. 

Rodgers has been known to get on The Pat McAfee Show and throw teammates under the bus. Regardless of how much leadership is lacking in the Steelers' offense, many fans think that is the wrong way to get it on track. 

Now, the Steelers seem okay with waiting for Rodgers to decide what he wants to do in 2025. While that is undoubtedly his prerogative, the natives are getting restless. Even Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward suggested that enough is enough on his podcast. He said the sales pitch is simply that this is the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can take it or leave it. 

Like many other players, Heyward feels honored to play for a franchise with a history of greatness. The Steelers have long been considered one of the league's premier franchises and new players often express how much it means to them to be able to dress out in black and gold to represent this team. Jason Mackey from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently spoke with The PM Team w/Poni and Mueller on 93.7 The Fan about waiting on Rodgers. Mackey said he hears a lot of fans complaining that waiting like this is beneath the Steelers, and he is beginning to agree. 

"At this point, I don't understand being dragged around the way the Steelers are and allowing themselves to have this happen to them," said Mackey. "What is so offensive about the Aaron Rodgers situation, this is so sideways of what we've known the Steelers to be, and why? Why are you allowing this? It's not that much better. Art needs to step in and just say an end or give him a deadline. I understand what they're trying to do, fix the quarterback position temporarily, bridge the draft or whatever, but it can't drag on this long."

The Steelers have never had a losing season since hiring Head Coach Mike Tomlin. They haven't won a playoff game since the end of the 2016 season, but not many other teams can boast about that consistent success. Pittsburgh has always been a destination players want to go to, not a team that waits around on anyone -- not even Rodgers. This is why Mackey feels Team Owner and President Art Rooney II should stop it. 

Mackey said when it was first reported that the Steelers were interested in Rodgers, he was fine with it as long as it made financial sense for the team. He was out once he heard the price was around $40 million a year. In his opinion, Rodgers doesn't move the needle enough to be worth that kind of money.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Driving This Train 

Most Pittsburgh insiders agree the desire to sign Rodgers is coming from Tomlin. He is the one who really wants him and is willing to wait to see if it happens. However, most agree if Rooney feels this has gone on too long, he will put his foot down. 

The opinion is that Rooney is trusting Tomlin to get this deal done. It is no secret that Tomlin is the majority decision-maker on the team. Many believe Tomlin has more clout regarding personnel than General Manager Omar Khan.   

Do you think it is time for Rooney to put his foot down? Tell us what you think below! 

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