Steelers Await Aaron Rodgers’ Decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about his future. Owner Art Rooney II mentioned that he anticipates hearing from the four-time MVP before the NFL Draft kicks off on April 23.
“When Omar (Khan) and I spoke with him, he indicated that this year’s decision won’t take as long as last year,” Rooney commented recently.
“I’m not entirely clear on what that entails, but I hope to get news before the draft,” he added.
It’s possible, as odd as it might sound, that the 42-year-old Rodgers could be traded again, making it potentially the fourth time in his long career. Still, the Steelers seem fairly optimistic that he will secure a team when he returns.
During his season with Pittsburgh, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, accumulating 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. This performance helped the team achieve a 10-7 record and reach the playoffs, although they were eventually defeated by the Texans in a 30-6 wild card game.
In that playoff match, his completion rate was only 52 percent, and he finished with just 146 yards. The Steelers were unable to score any touchdowns that day.
Over the first two decades of his career, Rodgers made a name for himself as one of the elite quarterbacks, winning MVP awards four times, including successive wins in 2020 and 2021 while with the Packers. After departing from Green Bay, he’s had brief but promising stints with the Jets and then the Steelers, though he hasn’t quite recaptured his previous form.
Rodgers initially inked a one-year, $13.65 million deal with Pittsburgh last June, with $10 million of that guaranteed.
New Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr. expressed a belief that Rodgers intends to play again. “I think he wants to play,” Pittman shared last week on “Up & Adams.” “Knowing Aaron, I think he’ll try to play as long as possible. He’s certainly a tough guy.”
If Rodgers chooses not to return, the Steelers might find themselves in a tight spot. Currently, their only other quarterbacks are sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran backup Mason Rudolph. However, Rooney feels that a decision from Rodgers is imminent.
