In the end, it looks like Aaron Rodgers won’t be heading back to Pittsburgh after all. Reports had circulated earlier this week that he was going to meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers, stirring up hope for fans eager for news about his potential return to the team he played for previously.
However, during an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” Adam Schefter mentioned that neither the Steelers nor Rodgers’ agent had any knowledge of such a meeting being arranged. So, yeah, that’s confusing.
Interestingly, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that he was indeed in Pittsburgh, but not to meet with the team—it seems he was in town for some golfing instead. This leaves some questions hanging about how or if he might fit in with the Steelers this season. They’ve made some moves for backup plans in case Rodgers opts to go elsewhere.
The Steelers placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers last month. This gives them first dibs on any offers he might get from other teams. So despite some uncertainty around his possible return, Schefter remains optimistic that Rodgers will be in good standing for training camp, which starts next Monday.
Last season, things were looking up for the Steelers. With Rodgers leading the charge, they finished 10-7 and secured a playoff spot. Unfortunately, they faced a tough loss in the wild card round, keeping their playoff streak at eight consecutive seasons.
Rodgers himself is having quite the career. If he wraps it up, he’s all set for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Last season with the Steelers, he played 16 games, racking up 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
This season, big changes are on the horizon. Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ former coach with the Green Bay Packers, has taken over from Mike Tomlin, who recently stepped down after 19 seasons. The Steelers have also added some new faces, like veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and an exciting prospect from Alabama, Jermie Bernard.
All of this brings up one pressing question: Will Aaron Rodgers be part of these revamped Steelers for the upcoming season?
