Steelers' Potential Controversial QB Aaron Rodgers "Basically Invited Himself" During Visit To Pittsburgh

Ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers met with quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a six-hour visit at the Steelers' facility, it seemed like the end of weeks of suspense regarding where Rodgers would land. However, the quarterback left Pittsburgh without a deal, and the Steelers are still without a starting signal-caller. It's unclear how much Rodgers and the Steelers have been in communication, although Pittsburgh seems to be content to wait for Rodgers to make a decision on his own time. Recently, an NFL insider speculated that the deal may already be in place, and that Rodgers is more in control than anyone previously thought. 

Tom Pelissero appeared on the Jim Rome Show on Thursday to discuss, among other things, the Steelers' quarterback situation. Pelissero said that a deal for Rodgers to come to the Steelers was already ironed out, and that the quarterback was just taking his time to make up his mind. 

"Aaron basically invited himself on a visit," Pelissero said. "Late last week, he was in the building for several hours. He watched tape with the coaches. This deal has been in place for weeks, they've discussed parameters. This is not going to be a financial issue at all for Aaron Rodgers. It's going to be a one-year deal, and he's going to be in there, taking the shot at age 41 to show that he can muster one more miraculous run, not unlike Brett Favre did back in '09 when he ended up in Minnesota."

Pelissero goes on to say that he is certain Rodgers has had an ongoing dialogue with various members of the organization, such as coaches and players. The extent to which Rodgers has been involved with the Pittsburgh organization and its people points to him signing with the team.

Reportedly, the Minnesota Vikings were Rodgers' first choice, but it was a longshot that he would ever land with the team. Despite the New York Giants expressing interest in Rodgers as well, the respect didn't seem to be mutual, and the Giants moved on with former Steelers quarterback, Russell Wilson. The Steelers may have been Rodgers' only realistic option all along, besides retirement. 

Pelissero also mentioned a third option, in which Rodgers makes it clear he won't sign with a team soon, but is open to taking an opportunity if it is offered to him. 

"You sit back and you say, 'I'm not ready to make a decision right now', and maybe you see, whether it's Minnesota or something else, what might come out of the trees," said Pelissero.

It doesn't seem like Rodgers to let anyone else make decisions for him, and waiting around for a team to give him an offer seems unlikely. However, no one knows what Rodgers is thinking, and being as old as he is, he should understand that many teams aren't going to jump at the chance to sign him. Should Rodgers choose to wait, he may not be signed until the summer, once teams in need of a quarterback have had the chance to draft one.

The Steelers And Rodgers Need Each Other

As much as the Steelers are Rodgers' best choice, Rodgers may also be Pittsburgh's best option. At this point in free agency, all other potential franchise quarterbacks have been taken. With many key spots on their roster needing to be filled, such as on the defensive line, the Steelers may not have the number of picks needed to get a solid quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Not to mention the quarterback class in the upcoming event is thin.

Should the Steelers bite the bullet and sign the 41-year-old Rodgers, it will likely only be for a one-year deal, as Pelissero hinted.

Do you think the Steelers are being too lenient with Rodgers? Do you think Pittsburgh should sign him to be their quarterback? Let us know in the comments.

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