Another insider shares massive update on Aaron Rodgers rumors regarding Cardinals, Steelers

Multiple reporters previously poured cold water over the idea that quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn't yet re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers because he could be flirting with the Arizona Cardinals.

During a Wednesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport added his name to the list of those reporters. 

"No legs" for Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals rumors amid Steelers uncertainty

"No legs for that one," Rapoport said about stories linking Rodgers with the Cardinals. "Sorry to disappoint everyone. Don’t expect that. Do not expect him to sign in Arizona. I expect, if he is going to play, to play for Pittsburgh."

Recent updates have hinted that Steelers players are "counting on" Rodgers to re-sign with the club in time for him to report for OTAs on May 18. Rodgers is due to make roughly $15M if he plays for the Steelers via the terms of the unrestricted free-agent tender that was placed on him following this year's draft. 

The use of that tender will result in Pittsburgh receiving a compensatory draft pick if he signs with another team before July 22 or the first day of the Steelers' training camp, whichever comes later. After that date, Pittsburgh would have exclusive negotiating rights for Rodgers.

For Aaron Rodgers, it's play for the Steelers or retire?

"If he decides to play football," Rapoport added about Rodgers, "I expect it to be for the Steelers. I expect it to be for the contract where they sort of figure it out based on the UFA tag. You’d sort of like it to be before OTAs or at least minicamp, and that’s getting to be pretty close here."

Last offseason, Rodgers waited until right before the Steelers' mandatory minicamp to officially join the team. This spring, Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp is scheduled to run from June 2-4.

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" has said on multiple occasions that he is "over 99 percent" sure that Rodgers will be atop Pittsburgh's depth chart before players begin their summer breaks. On Wednesday, Kaboly seemed to take a victory lap related to Rapoport's update.