NFL insider debunks theory about Aaron Rodgers, Steelers situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers' actions over the past handful of months have left many believing the club has some sort of arrangement worked out with Aaron Rodgers that will result in the free-agent quarterback joining the club. 

During a Thursday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL insider and ESPN personality Peter Schrager poured cold water over such theories. 

"From what I gather, Pittsburgh knows no more now than they did at the draft or before the draft," Schrager said, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "...I don't think there's this assumed handshake deal. "'Hey, don't worry, I'll get there.' They would've announced it. They would've signed him."

The Steelers let both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leave via free agency, and the club entered the draft with longtime backup Mason Rudolph and potential third-choice option Skylar Thompson on the roster. Pittsburgh then didn't grab a quarterback during the player-selection process until it took a flier on developmental prospect Will Howard out of Ohio State in the sixth round. 

A recent report mentioned that Rodgers "has stayed in relatively constant contact with" Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin since the future Hall of Famer visited the Steelers in March. After Pittsburgh somewhat surprisingly traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, stories linked the Steelers with New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard and with Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers. Lazard and Doubs both have experience playing with Rodgers. 

Like others, Schrager pointed out that the Steelers could make a trade for Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins in the event that Rodgers rejects Pittsburgh or decides to retire. Cousins lost his starting job to 2024 Michael Penix Jr., but the 36-year-old's contract includes a no-trade clause that would allow him to block a move to a different club. It's believed he would only accept a trade to a team willing to immediately name him its starter. 

Tomlin and Co. are hiding it well if they are losing sleep over the team's quarterback situation. For what it's worth, Steelers players reportedly would support Rudolph if he began September as Pittsburgh's starter.