The Aaron Rodgers saga continues, as we heard this morning that the Vikings were likely exiting the sweepstakes. This news followed a report from last weekend that the free agent quarterback may only be considering two options: the Vikings or retirement. Still, both the Steelers and Giants loomed as suitors, and it sounds like at least one of those teams is still under consideration.
[RELATED: Vikings Standing Down On Aaron Rodgers]
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers have not been told that they’re out of the running for Rodgers. Dulac notes that the organization will “continue to wait” on the QB, although there’s “no specific time set for a decision.”
While Rodgers’ prolonged stay in free agency is slightly holding up the QB market, that’s apparently not a concern for the Stelers front office. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports writes that the organization is “fine waiting” for a decision, and the team is confident that money won’t be an issue if Rodgers ultimately opts for Pittsburgh.
While there might not be any urgency for the Steelers’ decision makers, the team would surely like a resolution sooner than later. Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only QBs on the depth chart, and even if the team does find a way to turn their No. 21 pick into a rookie signal caller, the organization will presumably prefer a more reliable temporary solution at the position.
In New York, the Giants may not be as patient. Schultz says the Giants also still have interest in Rodgers, although the team will likely be pulling the trigger on a backup sooner than later. Russell Wilson is a fallback option for both squads, and the veteran QB seems to be the most impacted by Rodgers’ indecisiveness.
Considering Minnesota’s commitment to J.J. McCarthy and their sudden exit from the Rodgers pursuit, there were some questions regarding the team’s interest in the veteran in the first place. While much of the connection between the two appeared to be one-sided, Alec Lewis of The Athletic says there were “many” inside the Vikings building who supported the possibility. Another source told ESPN’s Kevin Seifert that Rodgers’ chances of joining Minnesota were “non-zero.” That’s not necessarily a ringing endorsement, but it also confirms interest nonetheless.
I feel like this “sweepstakes” is going to be a case where the winner is actually going to end up the loser.
So true. Steelers need to sign Wilson and move along from the AR circus.
Continuing with the Wilson circus is not better. They should have had a real plan last year instead of a has been and a never was.
What circus did Wilson bring to the Steelers? Said he wants to return. Ready to sign. “Never was?” He has a ring. What plan were the Steelers going to go with? Who was out there for the take? Darnold was the closest thing to more than one year out there.
Wilson seemed to be the consummate teammate here. And I can tell you that he and his wife went above and beyond in starting a number of charitable initiatives here and constantly visiting Children’s Hospital. I personally think the Steelers should go with Rudolph and draft Shough, but the “circus” comment is insanity
Instead, it speaks to Tomlin’s hard head which was translated by Smith. Stubbornness. Stupidity. Russ blows up the Bengals for 44, and you call him on the carpet for changing plays?
It’s ridiculous. It speaks to a control freak of a head coach who won’t budge on any advice
I wouldn’t mind Russ coming back, but not at his price
Steelers’ are pathetic. They sit back and let AR play his stupid game. Better to re-sign Wilson than to end up with neither. Might even be better for the team to re-sign Wilson than to sign AR and his drama.
Sickening
Our daily reminder that Rodgers is a dbag
Steelers need to take control. The they give in to this clown the more circus he’s going to create. Dump him and sign anybody else. Take control.
What up rupe
Who, though? Sure, we’re getting tired of Rodgers, but who else is there? They signed Rudolph, which is about the height of the free agent class that’s not named Rodgers this year. To me, there’s no issue in signing Rodgers later, but for now, these teams should go on with business as usual until it’s over. It I’m Pittsburgh or Minnesota, I’d love to get Rodgers for a year or maybe two, but I’m forging on ahead regardless. Maybe he comes, maybe he doesn’t, but there are definitely other issues I can solve in the meantime.
I would take Mariota, Wilson, or just stay with Rudolph. If they let Rodgers control everything, he will not stop at signing. It will be bringing in his friends, personnel decisions on the field, I can’t imagine what else and I don’t want to find out.
I would even take Flacco at this point.
Sweepstakes? The winner gets a year’s supply of Rice-A-Roni. Some sweepstakes.
Their Rice Pilaf is the best. Only flavor I still use.
Art Rooney would be embarrassed by the way his grandson is running this team.
Steelers have been played time and time again since Khan has taken control of personnel.
This front office is just gross
I like the second part of your comment. I remember the pre-Noll years here in Pittsburgh a bit and I wouldn’t heap praise on old Art that much, however. The Steelers were a doormat for many years
MrMuyBueno, I am curious… Prior to the 70s Steelers dynasty, what was the level of reverence for the team then? From today and outside, the Steelers have an extremely passionate fan base. Was it always that way, or is that more a result of the Steel Curtain and those 4 Lombardis?
Thank you
I’d be curious to know the local reputation before the Bobby Layne acquisition. Before Noll, there was a lot of discounting of the Steelers nationally. I don’t know what the local attitude was, however:
I was just a kid in the 60’s but remember my dad going to games
I think the passion for the sport was always here but from what I remember, there wasn’t any expectation of them winning. I guess the best analogy would be how fans feel about the Pirates now, if you take out the idea of their owner being miserly. Just not a great many stars playing here back then
Like a simp lmao waiting
Or like a simp liking his own comments
Or like an idiot who thinks that’s what people do
Good one
I try
Who cares!
A fellow Jets fan on here tried to tell me the Jets rejected Rodgers when he 100% would have come back and been committed. lol. Dude can’t resist playing with his food and being the main character. It’s why I was never convinced Minnesota would sign him.
I doubt AR and Tomlin can co-exist. At least Wilson has a season with Tomlin under his belt, and is better off staying.
Anyone think the Vikes may try and swing a deal for Herbert?
No and I don’t think the Chargers will trade him either
No. Why would the Chargers trade him?
Wouldn’t happen, but it would be really fun to see, wouldn’t it?
The Chargers owe $95M in dead cap if they traded Herbert before June 1st. $23M post June 1st.
HI
Oh I got my commenting ability back. Nice.