Inside source shares theory about when Aaron Rodgers could sign with Steelers

As recently as Monday, Pittsburgh Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" explained that he feels free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't officially join the Steelers before the club begins the organized team activities portion of the offseason program on May 27. 

Late Monday night, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio shared that "one source who knows Rodgers (but who has no specific knowledge of this situation)" believes the future Hall of Famer is essentially avoiding parts of the offseason program he deems unimportant. 

"Rodgers has always been opposed to the first two phases of the offseason program," Florio wrote. "By not agreeing to terms until the third phase looms, he avoids the offseason program until the offseason program becomes, from Rodgers' perspective, highly relevant."

Per Rob Demovsky of ESPN, "Rodgers skipped the entire offseason program, including the mandatory minicamp, while he contemplated his future" with the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2021 season. Last June, Rodgers generated headlines when he skipped the New York Jets' mandatory minicamp because of a pre-planned trip to Egypt.

Back on May 8, NFL insider and ESPN personality Peter Schrager said he didn't "think there's this assumed handshake deal" between Rodgers and the Steelers regarding when the 41-year-old will put pen to paper on a contract with the team. Florio hinted that he believes Rodgers has an arrangement worked out with Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin.

"It’s a simple solution," Florio continued. "Rodgers informally tells the Steelers he’ll be signing, eventually. He gets the playbook and other information he’ll need to prepare for OTAs, and he shows up for the six days of 2025 OTAs and...the mandatory minicamp that caps the offseason program."

Florio and Steelers reporter Mike DeFabo of The Athletic agree that "all signs point to Rodgers becoming a Steeler" and that "the Steelers are optimistic about Rodgers’ eventually signing with them." The fact that the Steelers have longtime backup Mason Rudolph, 2022 seventh-round draft pick Skylar Thompson and 2025 sixth-round selection Will Howard in their quarterback room suggests they expect to acquire an upgrade at the position sooner rather than later. 

Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp is scheduled to run from June 10-12. It remains to be seen if Rodgers will participate in those workouts.