Barring something changing over the next few weeks to months, it seems likely that Aaron Rodgers will be back with the Pittsburgh Steelers next year. However, while there seems to be a thought that things will play out that way, it's been interesting that it hasn't happened yet.
Rodgers, a veteran who seems to be a bit drama-filled, has yet to make a decision. The latest report is even stranger, with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporting on Sunday that Rodgers is in Pittsburgh, but won't meet with the team and will have his agent do so.
“Aaron Rodgers has been in town for a couple days, but as of Saturday afternoon the Steelers had not met with him and instead have been talking with his agent, sources told the Post-Gazette. Rodgers has stayed away from the team’s South Side facility while the Steelers’ three-day rookie minicamp takes place this weekend. But it’s possible he could meet with them in the next day or two if matters get worked out with the team and his long-time agent, David Dunn of Athletes First.
“The Steelers have always been under the impression Rodgers, 42, would come back for his 22nd NFL season, despite his prolonged delay in signing a new deal,” Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette wrote.
Rodgers is one of the more confusing guys in the NFL, and unfortunately, that doesn't come with MVP play any longer. That's not a shot at him, but just the reality of who he is at this stage of his career.
I don't want to say that he isn't needed in Pittsburgh, because the offense probably does need him, but I do think there's an argument to be made that Rodgers should hang them up or play with a different team, while the Steelers take a different direction and try to win with a young quarterback or fully tank to get the quarterback they want for the future.
Regardless, I think everybody would say it's a bit weird that a guy who was just there and has played in the NFL for as long as he has shouldn't be acting this way.