Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have been shown the exit from the facility due to free agency, as the Pittsburgh Steelers kind of believed they had a strategy.
Perhaps they even believed they had an agreement.
While the club strategized for the next starting quarterback, a proposal was extended to four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Reports indicate that the Steelers have extended a one-year contract proposal to the future Hall of Famer valued at $30 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed.
How assured was Pittsburgh that this would be enough?
Owner Art Rooney II has publicly stated his astonishment that it hasn’t been completed yet.
It appears the team intends to convey that it is committed to that figure and will not increase it.
So, what’s the issue?
Aaron Rodgers – surprising! – is the issue.
And in particular?
“It’s typically about the money,” states Dianna Russini from The Athletic.
Sure.
“Financials are consistently included,” she remarked. “He doesn’t have to sign and accept a low-quality offer.” He understands the Steelers require him … There will be a figure here that will please Aaron. “I simply can’t tell if Pittsburgh has reached that point yet.”
Those who have interacted with Rodgers previously can inform you that “keeping Aaron content” is a futile aspiration.
With Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the sole quarterbacks on the roster, the Steelers are probably considering selecting a quarterback early at the end of April. That makes the room more complex …
As would paying Rodgers too much.
Rodgers at 41 had one of the worst seasons of his career this past season with the New York Jets, as he had double-digit interceptions for just the fourth time in his 20 years in the league.
We never thought bending over backwards to satisfy him was the best Steelers solution. But that’s where Pittsburgh is now – trying to satisfy a person who simply cannot be satisfied.