Steelers' Dream For Aaron Rodgers Starting To Feel Dead: "Why Would It Not Have Already Happened?"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wait for a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be coming to an end. Since losing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson to free agency, Pittsburgh has been without a starting signal-caller for the upcoming season. Pittsburgh was seemingly content to wait for Rodgers to make a decision, but as the wait has dragged on, it has become less and less realistic that the quarterback will become a Steeler. Although Rodgers hasn't been given a hard deadline by Pittsburgh, next week marks a few key dates that could make or break a deal between Rodgers and Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers' Organized Team Activities officially start on April 21st with voluntary strength and conditioning workouts. If Rodgers doesn't sign with the Steelers by the start of OTAs, it could be cause for concern. It wouldn't be the first time Rodgers was a no-show for training, as he wasn't present for a mandatory minicamp during his time with the New York Jets. 

The other major event is the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. It's been speculated that Rodgers is waiting to see what Pittsburgh is going to do in the draft, but if that was his approach, it may have backfired. If the Steelers don't get a clear answer from Rodgers, they could rely on the draft to try and find a quarterback with franchise leading potential. If the Steelers land a promising prospect like Shedeur Sanders, it could mean there is no room left for Rodgers in Pittsburgh. On Wednesday, NFL Reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala appeared on 93.7 The Fan and discussed the Steelers' Rodgers problem.

"If Aaron Rodgers was all in on the Steelers, If Aaron Rodgers said, 'You know what, that's the place that I'm going to go help re-establish an offensive identity, re-establish leadership on offense, change some of the culture around what we've seen from the wide receiver group, and take them to the next level,' why would it have not already happened?" Kinkhabwala said.

For Rodgers to retire or sign with another team now would be a disappointing end to the drama for the Steelers fans and those within the organization itself, who were holding out for Rodgers to land in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, it is as likely a possibility as any other.

If the Steelers weren't initially planning on looking to the draft for a starting quarterback, they are certainly considering it currently. Now that Shedeur Sanders is projected to fall in the draft, it's become realistic that the Steelers could land him in the first round. Sanders met with the Steelers for a pre-draft visit, which only ignited more speculation regarding how aggressively Pittsburgh could pursue Sanders. There are plenty of teams that need a quarterback who could draft Sanders before Pittsburgh is on the clock. The Steelers could potentially trade up to try and land Sanders, although that is unlikely because of their limited draft capital this season.

Steelers May Be Forced To Turn To Mason Rudolph

Besides the draft, the Steelers' only other legitimate option to throw the ball in 2025 is Mason Rudolph. After a season with the Tennessee Titans, Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh, likely as a contingency plan. Considering Rudolph left Pittsburgh before, it's clear he isn't the organization's first choice. However, as the Rodgers situation unravels, and the Steelers look to a draft with a thin quarterback crop, Rudolph may find his way back to the starting quarterback spot in Pittsburgh.

Ultimately, no one can tell what Rodgers will do. However, should he want to play another season in the NFL, his field of options is narrow. Unless a surprise team comes out of the woodwork, Rodgers likely must choose between Pittsburgh and retirement. 

Do you think Rodgers wants to be a Pittsburgh Steeler? Would you rather the Steelers start a veteran or a rookie? Let us know in the comments.

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