The Aaron Rodgers drama drags on. And on and on. Available quarterbacks have been dropping from the market like flies. Matt Stafford stayed in Los Angeles. The Raiders, projected among the Rodgers’ top landing spots, traded for Geno Smith; Sam Darnold signed with Seattle. Justin Fields took Rodgers’ job on the Jets. The Vikings have seemingly committed to rookie J.J. McCarthy. In the wake of frenzied trades and free agent signings, A-Rod remains unsigned. Where will he go? Will he ever decide? For fans and potential teammates alike, the wait is getting old.
Aaron Rodgers Relishing the Spotlight–Exit Stage Left or a New Act in Pittsburgh?
Rodgers’ possible destinations have boiled down to the Pittsburgh Steelers, maybe the New York Giants, and Minnesota as an outside shot.
Reportedly the future Hall of Famer, 41, isn’t even certain whether he wants to play in 2025. He’s taking his sweet old time making up his mind. He’s wearing AirPods and a towel cape and digging his toes into the gray sand at Malibu Beach.
Colin Cowherd said it best on his podcast Sunday: “Listen. Just make an effing decision, okay? You’re not married, you don’t have kids, you’re not doing much. You’re golfing and you’re reading Greek mythology.”
Rodgers might need to rub on some extra suntan lotion after that burn.
The NFL world is sick and tired of the Oedipus at Colonus act. For some time now, Pittsburgh has been the favorite to couch Rodgers in what will likely be his final season. Reports surfaced early last week that the parties could reach a decision by Tuesday.
It is now next Tuesday. Still no word.
Last month, Steelers safety Deshaun Elliot scorned the notion of signing Rodgers, saying, “Leave his ass at the retirement home.” Elliot walked back his comment once it became clear Pittsburgh was earnestly pursuing the elder statesman.
Several weeks and no transaction later, one of his teammates has taken aim at the absurdity of the Rodgers saga.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cameron Heyward
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talks with referees during a break in the action against the Seattle Seahawks during their football game on Sunday November 14, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Steelers Star Cameron Heyward Is Done with the Drama
Team captain and 14-year veteran, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward spoke out Tuesday on his “Not Just Football” podcast. Per ESPN:
“I ain’t doing that darkness retreat,” Heyward said, responding to a question from co-host Hayden Walsh on whether he’d go into the dark with Rodgers to land the quarterback’s services. “I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”
Heyward went on, “I just want to play football. I’m tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I’d rather have it done. I don’t know what ends up happening. I’m ready to move on into free agency.”
Aren’t we all.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cameron Heyward
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks on the field after the Jets win over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
The Steelers have options–it is not as if missing out on Rodgers would doom the season. For insurance, they inked a reunion with Mason Rudolph, who spent 2024 in Tennessee after four seasons in Pittsburgh, including a playoff run two years ago.
Last season’s Week 1 starter, Fields, later benched for Russell Wilson, is off the table, but Wilson, 36, is still a free agent. While both he and Rodgers are obviously well past their primes, Wilson is demonstrably the better quarterback at this point in their careers–both via the eye test and statistically, with a QBR ranked three places higher, 22nd versus 25th, than Rodgers’ last season.
Neither aging passer is ideal, but if it’s a bridge option Pittsburgh wants, with free agency depleted and a weak upcoming draft, bringing back Wilson makes by far the most sense.
Aaron Rodgers-Pittsburgh Steelers: “Don’t Need Any of That Crap” Captain Cam Heyward Is Done Waiting for A-Rod Decision 3Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) meets with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) following their NFC divisional round playoff football game on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay defeated Seattle 28-23.
Apc Packers Vs Seahawks 2065 011220 Wag
The fact that they have not already signed him, however, suggests that the front office may favor the mercurial ex-Packer. But Steelers brass can only wait so long before making a move. What if Wilson ends up elsewhere by the time Rodgers blesses the world with a decision.
Putt the last hole, turn the final page, wrap it up, A-Rod, retire or return for your last hurrah. Scar, Rafiki says it’s time
