Reporter shares how Steelers would react if Aaron Rodgers doesn't re-sign by alleged deadline

Pittsburgh Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette raised eyebrows when he reported that the patience of certain individuals within the organization "could be starting to wear thin" as quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned. 

Dulac is among those who have said the Steelers want a final decision from Rodgers by the start of Pittsburgh's organized team activities on May 18. For a Wednesday live chat, Dulac was asked what could happen if Rodgers doesn't report to the Steelers for the start of OTAs. 

Do Steelers really have a firm May 18 deadline for an Aaron Rodgers decision? 

"Personally, if I had to guess, based on what I've seen, nothing," Dulac responded. "I know what the fan base would like to see. ...They want the Steelers to stand up to him and say enough is enough, even though that is not their stance, and I don't expect that to happen. Let's face it, Rodgers doesn't really need to participate in OTAs, but that doesn't mean the Steelers and the new coaching staff doesn't want him around. They do." 

Some recently tried to link Rodgers with the Arizona Cardinals, but multiple reporters have since indicated that the future Hall of Famer will either play for the Steelers later this year or retire. 

Why are Steelers willing to wait Aaron Rodgers out?

New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy was Rodgers' head coach when they were employed by the Green Bay Packers from 2006 through part of the 2018 season. Dulac suggested that McCarthy doesn't want to enter training camp with longtime backup Mason Rudolph, 2025 rookie Will Howard and 2026 third-round draft pick Drew Allar as Pittsburgh's options at the sport's most important position. 

"The coach who once had him," Dulac answered when asked who within the Steelers "is most gung-ho on" bringing Rodgers back for one more season. Dulac added that "it's still more likely [Rodgers is] coming back than not." 

The Steelers' mandatory minicamp is scheduled to run from June 2-4. Last year, Rodgers waited until right before mandatory minicamp sessions began to officially sign with Pittsburgh.