Insider casts doubt on Aaron Rodgers' future

For the second time in as many seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers are playing the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers.

The future Hall of Famer is mulling retirement, and he's taking his time to make a decision.

While he's certainly earned that right, he's also put his team in a tough spot. The market is pretty dry, and they've missed opportunities to sign several potential backup plans.

That's why it's not odd to hear ESPN insider Adam Schefter report that they will need to have some conversations about how to approach the NFL Draft.

Steelers don't have any clarity about Aaron Rodgers

“So there is no real veteran backup pivot plan in the event that Aaron Rodgers decides that he’s not going to play this year. Again, if he was so convinced that he was coming back, why isn’t it done yet?” Schefter wondered. 

While they still reportedly believe Rodgers is ultimately going to be back, the fact of the matter is that they don't know for sure, and as such, they might be tempted -- or forced -- to take someone in the draft.

“We expect he’s going to be back. Nothing’s changed and all that. But now, we have an actual football event in the city of Pittsburgh next week in which quarterbacks will be taken, and this team doesn’t have clarity yet,” added Schefter.

Whether they'll roll the dice on Ty Simpson in the first round or go with someone else on Day 2 or 3 remains to be seen. 

Whatever the case, it looks like they can't rest on their laurels, and they'll have to plan as if Rodgers won't be there.