Former NFL GM sends warning to Aaron Rodgers about making Steelers wait

Mike Prisuta of Pittsburgh Magazine became the latest Steelers insider to suggest that quarterback Aaron Rodgers "might wait until as late as the opening of mandatory veteran minicamp on June 10" to officially join the AFC North club. 

During an appearance on the latest edition of the "With the First Pick" podcast, former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon delivered somewhat of a warning to Rodgers as the future Hall of Famer began Friday as an unsigned free agent. 

"Maybe Aaron Rodgers is a little further along with this Pittsburgh decision, nod-nod-wink-wink agreement, and even what the offense is," Carthon said, Steelers Depot's Troy Montgomery shared. "We don't know that. However, I think it speaks volumes for the rest of the team. For a guy that you're gonna be counting on as your quarterback, he's not on the field with you right now when this is the time of year that you start to build the bond."

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, Rodgers' former teammate with the New York Jets, recently spoke about how he felt it was important to participate in voluntary offseason workouts this spring "to get in and know my coaches, learn the new material they’re putting out and not be the guy that’s behind." Rodgers has never before played under Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and one would think the 41-year-old would agree that getting comfortable with a new system and new teammates ahead of training camp would benefit everybody involved. 

Back in March, longtime Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward seemed at least slightly annoyed about the "will he or won't he?" Rodgers saga. Heyward later clarified his comments, but it's hardly a stretch to believe some inside the Steelers locker room don't love that their likely QB1 for the 2025 season hadn't put pen to paper on his deal as of May 23. 

Per multiple reports, it seems to be a matter of when and not if Rodgers will replace Mason Rudolph as the Steelers' starter this spring. It remains to be seen how current Pittsburgh players will welcome Rodgers whenever he walks into the team facility.