Will they or won’t they? Fans have been buzzing with excitement about the topic. Media has been filled with speculation on the subject. But the Steelers are yet to break their silence on whether they are — or are not — actually signing Aaron Rodgers.
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There have been plenty of rumors linking the star quarterback with the Pittsburgh franchise after the four-time MVP was spotted working out with newly-minted Steelers receiver DK Metcalf at UCLA’s practice field on March 31st.
This prompted many to believe that an announcement from the oldest franchise in the AFC was imminent, since Aaron has already been linked to the black and gold throughout the offseason. A-Rod also had a six-hour meeting with the team a week before at the Steelers’ practice facility. However, no signs have emerged of a contract actually being signed.
And Steelers’ defensive tackle Cam Heyward, for one, isn’t getting his hopes up that it will. On his podcast Not just football with Cam Heyward, he maintained that a mere throwing session doesn’t guarantee that Rodgers will become a Steeler. He also referenced a similar incident from the past to back his argument: DK had caught passes from a different quarterback last offseason, but nothing came of it that time either.
“Russ (Russell Wilson) was throwing with DK last year, and nothing came out of that,” Heyward argued on his podcast. “Yeah, but, c’mon, this is a little bit different in the sense of DK is officially a Steeler. Aaron’s throwing with him. I think it’s a good sign,” Heyward’s co-host, Hayden Walsh, retorted.
But it’s tough to ignore what Heyward mentioned. Russell Wilson and DK were spotted throwing together last offseason in the same setting, the UCLA practice facility. It seems like DK has access to the facility, and he invites any NFL quarterback out who wants to get some work in. Russ did end up in Pittsburgh last season, but that was when DK was still with the Seattle Seahawks.
Initially, when the news was reported, it seemed like good news for Steelers fans. But as time has passed, it feels like anything is still on the table for Rodgers. At 41, he could have a final swan song with Pittsburgh or ride off into the retirement sunset — though some believe that’s not likely.
Rodgers’ Announcement on McAfee?
Earlier in the podcast, Heyward and his co-host discussed a rumor that Rodgers will announce his move to the Steelers during the Pat McAfee show. Then it was revealed that McAfee will be having his live show on April 9 in the Steel City. This got Heyward’s co-host excited.
However, Heyward said that he wasn’t invited to the live show. Possibly due to his viral comment about Rodgers joining the Steelers, where he said, “Either you want to be a Steeler or you don’t.”
So, if Rodgers does announce his signing with the team during the McAfee Show, Heyward won’t be there to congratulate him. In fact, it could be quite awkward if the two have to share a locker room next season with that quote looming.
Of course, many fans are growing tired of waiting around for Rodgers to make his decision. Thanks to Rodgers’ storied legacy, he has become the focal point of discussions in the offseason.
Let’s just hope he does sign on April 9 so we can all move on and start to focus on what a team with him will look like in 2025.
