Aaron Rodgers Rumors Swirl About DK Metcalf Steelers Absence

Even when he's not around, Aaron Rodgers creates controversy.

Just ask the New York Jets, Terry Bradshaw or the Pittsburgh Steelers players left to explain why new receiver DK Metcalf wasn't in attendance at Tuesday's OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

As the Steelers - patiently? - wait on a decision by the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback on his plans for this season, fans and even one of the greatest players in franchise history are getting more than restless.

"That's a joke," Bradshaw said on 103.7 The Buzz Tuesday morning. "That is to me just a joke. What are you going to do? Bring him in for one year? Are you kidding me?"

A year ago Rodgers stirred up a hornets' nest by skipping Jets OTAs to instead vacation in Egypt. New York stumbled out of the gate 2-3, getting its head coach and general manager fired on the way to a nightmare 5-12 season.

The Steelers need Rodgers after Russell Wilson signed with the Giants. They have Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard at OTAs, but the lack of Rodgers is leading to whispers that Metcalf isn't attending because he doesn't feel the need to develop chemistry with quarterbacks that won't see the field when - if - Rodgers signs.

Rodgers claims he isn't holding the Steelers "hostage," but even the threat of his presence - but lack thereof - is enough to dent head coach Mike Tomlin's vaunted locker room chemistry.

Metcalf has been around the Steelers' facility this offseason, and the smart money will be on him being ready and motivated for the Week 2 matchup against his former Seattle Seahawks. He will be Pittsburgh's No. 1 receiving target in the wake of the trading of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.