The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base was immediately divided when news broke that they were pursuing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Half the fans felt that despite his age, Rodgers still has a strong arm and could hopefully provide that spark the team needs to win in the postseason. The other half expressed concerns about the team having their seventh starting quarterback since 2021 and worries about the potential drama that Rodgers brings.
One fear was that the team would be unable to acquire solid veterans in free agency when no one knew who would be under center in Week 1. That was not an issue for DK Metcalf, who said he felt confident that the team would find the right guy. When the Metcalf trade was announced, many fans thought this signaled that the team was considering having Russell Wilson return since the two had played together for the Seattle Seahawks. However, it has felt like the team is leaning more toward Rodgers, as Wilson is still out there waiting.
Longtime Steelers captain and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was asked about the potential Rodgers deal on his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, by his co-host Hayden Walsh. Reportedly, Rodgers received offers from Pittsburgh and the New York Giants, but while he was mulling it over, it's rumored the Minnesota Vikings expressed interest. Some NFL insiders feel that would be Rodgers' preferred destination. Walsh said he thinks Rodgers' indecision feels like he is holding the Steelers hostage.
"I just want to play football," said Heyward. "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. There's too much going on."
The Steelers, like all NFL teams, have been known to use some of their top veterans to help recruit players to the Steel City. Last offseason, Heyward reportedly spoke with Wilson before his signing. Walsh joked with Heyward, asking if the team needed him to go on a darkness retreat with Rodgers and talk him into signing.
"I ain't doing that darkness retreat," answered Heyward, who said recruiting is simple. "I don't need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, or you don't. That simple. That's the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that's the recruiting pitch. You know the Pittsburgh Steelers, if you want to be a part of it, so be it; if you don't, no skin off my back."
Heyward is the quintessential Steelers player. He puts his nose to the grindstone, works hard, and does his job. He is never linked to off-field antics or trouble. He is seen as a leader and is often called upon to help resolve disputes among teammates.
While no one would ever question Rodgers' personal work ethic, drama does seem to follow him. Despite being incredibly talented, rumors have circulated that Rodgers sometimes struggles to get along with his teammates. During his time with the New York Jets, he acted as a de facto general manager, and many believe he had a hand in getting former Head Coach Robert Saleh fired.
Steelers Have To Put Their Foot Down
Walsh isn't alone in that opinion. While Heyward can't say Rodgers is holding the Steelers hostage, the fans and the media certainly can, and many feel he needs to be given a deadline.
The NFL moves quickly, especially in free agency, and the options for quarterbacks are already limited. While the Steelers may or may not have had their eyes on any of the ones who are now off the market, they are quickly running out of choices. They did sign Mason Rudolph, and while he won some critical games in 2023, he also failed to help secure a win in that season's Wild Card game.
