Insider addresses how long Steelers are willing to wait for Aaron Rodgers

Some reporters and analysts have suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers should and even could soon give quarterback Aaron Rodgers a deadline regarding whether or not he will sign a contract to play for the club later this year. 

During a Thursday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicated the AFC North side is fine with giving Rodgers space for the foreseeable future. 

"I just know that they are willing to be patient," Fittipaldo said about how Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and others within the organization are handling uncertainty regarding Rodgers' plans, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "I think they're even willing to be patient into June, to be honest with you. I don't really see, like, an end to this anytime soon unless Aaron just makes up his mind. And I honestly don't see the Steelers walking away at this point. So might be two weeks, four weeks, six weeks. But, I think as long as Aaron doesn't retire, I think the Steelers will be willing to sit around and wait for that decision."

Rodgers previously hinted that he hadn't yet committed to playing for a team during the upcoming season due to reasons related to his "personal life." However, some have since theorized he simply doesn't want to participate in the portion of the offseason program that runs through mandatory minicamp, which wraps up on June 12. As of this past Wednesday, the Steelers reportedly remained "optimistic that Rodgers will sign and be their starter." 

The fact that longtime backup Mason Rudolph is currently atop Pittsburgh's depth chart suggests the club isn't done adding quarterbacks to the roster this offseason. While the New Orleans Saints recently drafted Tyler Shough, the advertised "most pro-ready" quarterback in this year's class, the Steelers ultimately took a flier on developmental prospect Will Howard in the sixth round.

"He's their best option at this point, and that's basically it," Fittipaldo added about why the Steelers aren't trying to "rush" Rodgers into signing a contract. "They can roll with Mason Rudolph. Players in that locker room are confident if that is what transpires. But they believe that Aaron Rodgers has something left and they wanna see what they can do in 2025 if he does sign."

It sounds like those who think the Steelers could pivot away from Rodgers if he's not part of mandatory minicamp workouts that get underway on June 10 are mistaken. Perhaps the 41-year-old won't take part in an official Pittsburgh practice before training camp opens in July.