While the football world waits for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future, many are wondering if the Steelers are chasing the four-time MVP with reckless abandon. Like they've just made a contract offer, had a meeting with him and are waiting anxiously for a response.
After talking with as many people as I could throughout the three days at the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., I can definitively say that's not the case.
According to multiple sources, the Steelers and Rodgers have remained in consistent communication ever since their meeting at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex two weeks ago. As far as the details of those conversations, specifically any idea about how long this may go on, I got about as far as the reporter who asked Mike Tomlin the same question during the AFC coaches' breakfast on Monday morning.
"We've had some discussions," Tomlin said. "But I'll leave it between he and I."
The wry smile Tomlin had after answering that question suggested he knew much more than he let on. And, per sources, the Steelers are not being left in the dark by Rodgers. There is a reason why Tomlin, Omar Khan and Art Rooney II all boasted the same confidence that "all signs are positive" from the Rodgers camp, and it's not just because their meeting with him went well. The bravado with which the Steelers' triumvirate spoke isn't misplaced. It's because the communication that's followed has been fruitful.
Again, nobody knows the details of those conversations. And, it's not a surprise that nobody would be willing to share any of that. It's between the player and the team, and Rodgers certainly has his own way of making decisions.
At this point, I'd say the Steelers are convinced Rodgers will sign with them. Of course, they've been wrong before. Last summer, those inside the organization were convinced they were going to land a big-time wide receiver, specifically one of Brandon Aiyuk, DK Metcalf or Tyreek Hill. While that eventually happened with Metcalf (took beyond an entire season for that to happen, but better late than never, I guess), this is also not nearly the same situation.
Those three players were all under contract with other teams. Negotiating trades and negotiating with free agents are two completely different ball games. And then there's negotiating with Rodgers, which seems to be a unique experience in and of itself.
So, yes, all signs point to this getting done, and the Steelers are very aware of Rodgers' process in this as he's remained engaged with the team. That's why they feel confident. While Rodgers may or may not be on some darkness retreat to make a decision, he's certainly not leaving the Steelers in the dark while he makes up his mind.
• I got to speak with a couple people in the Vikings organization at the annual meeting and got a better feel for their stance on Rodgers, and it aligns with what's been made known already by various reports. Rodgers' agent reached out to gauge interest, but the Vikings remain loyal to J.J. McCarthy, who they drafted 10th overall last year for a reason. Knee injury or not, the plan was for him to develop on the sideline last season. Now, he's in line to be their starter.
• Khan said this week the Metcalf trade came together in the span of about a week. One of the reasons why: Their desire for him traces back to last summer. The Seahawks weren't exactly open for business on the Metcalf front back then, but you can bet the Steelers had remained ready to pounce on it if and when he'd become available. They expected it last year, and it obviously didn't happen. When the Seahawks acquiesced to Metcalf's trade request ahead of free agency, the Steelers took full advantage and became very aggressive. That's why they were confident if he ever became available, they'd be able to get him.
• Of all the Steelers I expect to receive contract extensions this summer, T.J. Watt leads the way. But, Jaylen Warren isn't far behind. From what I've been hearing, dating back as far as the Combine, the Steelers plan to approach Warren about a multiyear extension and that there is interest on Warren's side, as well. In theory, he could sign his second-round tender, then the two sides could try and hammer something out during the summer. The Steelers like Warren and would prefer to keep him beyond 2025.
• Speaking of extensions, I fully expect George Pickens to be a hold in during training camp until he gets a contract extension. A lot can happen between now and then. Maybe it'll a moot point if the Steelers get swept off their feet by a trade offer they can't refuse, specifically around draft time. But, should he be on the team when training camp comes, and I strongly believe the current plan is to keep him for at least 2025, I expect Pickens to do the full-blown hold in, much like Diontae Johnson did a few years ago.
• I tried like crazy to get a surefire date for the Ireland game. I spoke with several people with the team and the league and ... nothing. The expectation, as I've previously reported, is late September. But, nothing is set in stone. Every single person I spoke with were noncommittal to a hard date. One of the reasons why a date isn't being announced yet is because an opponent has not been made official. The league would rather the opponent be set in stone before making any expected date official.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
4:31 am - 04.04.2025DowntownFriday Insider: Steelers aren't blindly chasing Rodgers
While the football world waits for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future, many are wondering if the Steelers are chasing the four-time MVP with reckless abandon. Like they've just made a contract offer, had a meeting with him and are waiting anxiously for a response.
After talking with as many people as I could throughout the three days at the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., I can definitively say that's not the case.
According to multiple sources, the Steelers and Rodgers have remained in consistent communication ever since their meeting at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex two weeks ago. As far as the details of those conversations, specifically any idea about how long this may go on, I got about as far as the reporter who asked Mike Tomlin the same question during the AFC coaches' breakfast on Monday morning.
"We've had some discussions," Tomlin said. "But I'll leave it between he and I."
The wry smile Tomlin had after answering that question suggested he knew much more than he let on. And, per sources, the Steelers are not being left in the dark by Rodgers. There is a reason why Tomlin, Omar Khan and Art Rooney II all boasted the same confidence that "all signs are positive" from the Rodgers camp, and it's not just because their meeting with him went well. The bravado with which the Steelers' triumvirate spoke isn't misplaced. It's because the communication that's followed has been fruitful.
Again, nobody knows the details of those conversations. And, it's not a surprise that nobody would be willing to share any of that. It's between the player and the team, and Rodgers certainly has his own way of making decisions.
At this point, I'd say the Steelers are convinced Rodgers will sign with them. Of course, they've been wrong before. Last summer, those inside the organization were convinced they were going to land a big-time wide receiver, specifically one of Brandon Aiyuk, DK Metcalf or Tyreek Hill. While that eventually happened with Metcalf (took beyond an entire season for that to happen, but better late than never, I guess), this is also not nearly the same situation.
Those three players were all under contract with other teams. Negotiating trades and negotiating with free agents are two completely different ball games. And then there's negotiating with Rodgers, which seems to be a unique experience in and of itself.
So, yes, all signs point to this getting done, and the Steelers are very aware of Rodgers' process in this as he's remained engaged with the team. That's why they feel confident. While Rodgers may or may not be on some darkness retreat to make a decision, he's certainly not leaving the Steelers in the dark while he makes up his mind.
• I got to speak with a couple people in the Vikings organization at the annual meeting and got a better feel for their stance on Rodgers, and it aligns with what's been made known already by various reports. Rodgers' agent reached out to gauge interest, but the Vikings remain loyal to J.J. McCarthy, who they drafted 10th overall last year for a reason. Knee injury or not, the plan was for him to develop on the sideline last season. Now, he's in line to be their starter.
• Khan said this week the Metcalf trade came together in the span of about a week. One of the reasons why: Their desire for him traces back to last summer. The Seahawks weren't exactly open for business on the Metcalf front back then, but you can bet the Steelers had remained ready to pounce on it if and when he'd become available. They expected it last year, and it obviously didn't happen. When the Seahawks acquiesced to Metcalf's trade request ahead of free agency, the Steelers took full advantage and became very aggressive. That's why they were confident if he ever became available, they'd be able to get him.
• Of all the Steelers I expect to receive contract extensions this summer, T.J. Watt leads the way. But, Jaylen Warren isn't far behind. From what I've been hearing, dating back as far as the Combine, the Steelers plan to approach Warren about a multiyear extension and that there is interest on Warren's side, as well. In theory, he could sign his second-round tender, then the two sides could try and hammer something out during the summer. The Steelers like Warren and would prefer to keep him beyond 2025.
• Speaking of extensions, I fully expect George Pickens to be a hold in during training camp until he gets a contract extension. A lot can happen between now and then. Maybe it'll a moot point if the Steelers get swept off their feet by a trade offer they can't refuse, specifically around draft time. But, should he be on the team when training camp comes, and I strongly believe the current plan is to keep him for at least 2025, I expect Pickens to do the full-blown hold in, much like Diontae Johnson did a few years ago.
• I tried like crazy to get a surefire date for the Ireland game. I spoke with several people with the team and the league and ... nothing. The expectation, as I've previously reported, is late September. But, nothing is set in stone. Every single person I spoke with were noncommittal to a hard date. One of the reasons why a date isn't being announced yet is because an opponent has not been made official. The league would rather the opponent be set in stone before making any expected date official.
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