Steelers' Art Rooney II Quickly Losing Credibility Amidst Aaron Rodgers Saga: "He Expects Us To Believe Him"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major talking point in offseason media coverage, largely due to continuous rumors surrounding a potential move to acquire veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the team’s handling of the situation has drawn widespread criticism, with fans, analysts, and insiders voicing frustration over how things have been handled.

Steelers President and Owner Art Rooney II has found himself at the center of mounting criticism as frustrations grow over the team’s handling of the Rodgers situation. Many believe that the Steelers' leadership, particularly Rooney II, has failed to manage the process with the decisiveness and transparency. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette appeared on Post-Gazette Sports and offered his unfiltered thoughts on Rooney II at the moment. Mackey didn’t hold back, sharing a candid assessment of the decisions, or lack there of, being made.

"When Art Rooney II talks, he expects us to believe him. At this point, I don't know why I should," Mackey said.

For Steelers fans, the wait surrounding the potential Rodgers acquisition has felt nothing short of endless. Ever since the initial rumors linking Rodgers to Pittsburgh surfaced, excitement quickly gave way to impatience. As days turned into weeks, and now months, without a definitive answer, that anticipation has steadily turned into frustration and unease. 

As the Rodgers saga has dragged on for months, a series of rumored deadlines have come and gone, each one passing without a clear decision from the veteran quarterback. The latest rumor being This ongoing limbo has sparked growing concern among fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding how the Steelers' front office is managing the situation. To some, it appears as though Rodgers holds all the power, keeping the organization in a holding pattern as they wait on his terms. 

This perception has only intensified after recent comments from Rooney II, who stated the team is willing to wait "a little while longer" for Rodgers' decision. While the front office may view this as patience and confidence, many fans see it as the team being strung along, further fueling frustration and doubt about the leadership’s assertiveness in such a critical moment.

While nearly every other team across the NFL has solidified their quarterback plans heading into the new season, the Steelers and their fan base remain in uncertainty, which is not a great feeling. If the season were to begin today, all signs point to Mason Rudolph stepping in as the likely starter. The front office has publicly expressed confidence in Rudolph’s ability to lead the team, a stance that, given the circumstances, feels more obligatory than reassuring. After all, it would be far more surprising if they didn’t back the veteran quarterback, especially with no definitive alternative currently in place. Still, for many fans, Rudolph serves as more of a placeholder than a long-term solution. 

However, it’s clear that Rodgers is not viewed as a long-term solution for the Steelers either. At 41 years old, he holds the distinction of being the oldest active player in the NFL, a fact that naturally raises concerns given the physical demands of the modern game. While Rodgers remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks, the reality is that both he and the Steelers appear to have different long-term priorities. Rodgers seems focused on closing out his Hall of Fame career on a high note, potentially with one final impactful season. Meanwhile, the Steelers are in search of a reliable bridge quarterback, someone who can hold down the position while they develop or identify a young guy who can carry the franchise into the future. 

Steelers Set On Future Franchise QB In 2026

All signs point to the Steelers looking toward the NFL Draft to find their long-term answer at quarterback. In the lead-up to the 2025 draft, there was a lot of discussion about whether the Steelers would make the quarterback position a top priority. While the team did end up drafting a quarterback, they waited until the sixth round to select Will Howard out of Ohio State University. Given the late-round selection, it’s difficult to determine whether the Steelers truly view Howard as a serious contender for the future face of the franchise or simply a developmental option. 

With that in mind, many believe the Steelers are positioning themselves to make a big move in the 2026 NFL Draft, which features a highly rated quarterback class. The team has already begun accumulating draft capital, suggesting they’re preparing to make a serious investment in a franchise quarterback next year.

Who do you want to see as the future franchise quarterback for the Steelers? Do you think Rooney is losing credibility? Let us know in the comments below!

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