Uncertainty at quarterback continues to be an issue for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the team waits for clarity on the future of veteran Aaron Rodgers.
While speculation has centered around what Pittsburgh might do if Rodgers decides not to return, recent comments suggest the Steelers are optimistic about the chances of bringing him back.
According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers are still hopeful that Rodgers will decide to continue playing and remain with the team. The franchise also wants to keep him around.
“I would think that (the Steelers) want (Rodgers) to return. They’ve been open about wanting him to return,” Schefter said. “Everybody on the team, the players, has wanted him back…They’re hopeful and optimistic that he will come back.”
Rodgers’ presence is as important as anything. Even late in his career, the multi-time MVP is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league, capable of helping an offense with his arm talent and football IQ.
However, the Steelers are also preparing for the possibility that Rodgers could decide not to return. Schefter added that the team has plans in place if that scenario unfolds.
“[The Steelers] are hoping Aaron Rodgers comes back, and if he doesn’t, they would then be prepared to have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster,” Schefter said.
“It’s the reason that I think they don’t feel rushed and compelled to go out and add anybody right now,” Schefter added.
For the Steelers, the situation ultimately comes down to Rodgers’ decision. If he chooses to return, Pittsburgh would be in a decent spot.
Until that decision is made, the Steelers seem content to wait rather than force a move that could hurt their long-term plans.
Mike Florio had the latest on the situation.
“The Steelers shouldn’t be waiting. All due respect to the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, but Rodgers is a long way from the guy who won four MVP awards. Really, who else is pursuing him? Last year, Rodgers was the Plan B if Matthew Stafford left the Rams. That’s it. This year, the Cardinals make sense, but for the fact that they can just go ahead and renovate the basement of the NFC West,” he wrote.