For fans of the Baltimore Ravens, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers flounder in quarterback limbo since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement has certainly been an entertaining ride. With names like Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and even Russell Wilson making cameo appearances in the Steel City, the Steelers have yet to find a solution that secures more than a fleeting playoff spot. It’s a tough position for a franchise that has long prided itself on stability under center.
This offseason, the Steelers are once again in the headlines, and not for the right reasons. The latest buzz surrounds Aaron Rodgers, fresh off his two-season stint with the Jets. Released this offseason, Rodgers is weighing his options, and the Steelers find themselves in the mix alongside the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings.
Reports from Dianna Russini indicate that Rodgers is leaning toward Minnesota. The Vikings, however, have their own quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, creating a bit of a gridlock in their decision-making process. While they deliberate, Rodgers is left in a holding pattern, which unfortunately for Steelers fans, means their hopes hang in limbo as well.
Interestingly, if the Vikings ultimately decide to pass on adding Rodgers, there’s a scenario where he might just hang up his cleats altogether. Imagine that: a future Hall of Famer opting for retirement rather than playing for the Steelers. For Ravens fans, that could be the cherry on top of what’s already been an amusing saga.
The Steelers appear to be committing fully to the idea of bringing in Rodgers. If he’s the guy they’ve staked their hopes on, they could be in for a rude awakening if he decides to take a different path. Should that happen, their options would include bringing back Russell Wilson, taking a chance on Jameis Winston, or using a draft pick to secure a young arm like Jaxson Dart.
However you look at it, the Steelers seem destined to continue their search for a franchise quarterback. Even if Rodgers chooses Pittsburgh, he wouldn’t be a long-term fix. If he opts out, they may be left scrambling for answers at the league’s most crucial position. And for Ravens fans, that’s certainly a melody worth celebrating.
