The Aaron Rodgers saga continues, as we heard this morning that the Vikings were likely exiting the sweepstakes. This news followed a report from last weekend that the free agent quarterback may only be considering two options: the Vikings or retirement. Still, both the Steelers and Giants loomed as suitors, and it sounds like at least one of those teams is still under consideration.
[RELATED: Vikings Standing Down On Aaron Rodgers]
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers have not been told that they’re out of the running for Rodgers. Dulac notes that the organization will “continue to wait” on the QB, although there’s “no specific time set for a decision.”
While Rodgers’ prolonged stay in free agency is slightly holding up the QB market, that’s apparently not a concern for the Stelers front office. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports writes that the organization is “fine waiting” for a decision, and the team is confident that money won’t be an issue if Rodgers ultimately opts for Pittsburgh.
While there might not be any urgency for the Steelers’ decision makers, the team would surely like a resolution sooner than later. Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only QBs on the depth chart, and even if the team does find a way to turn their No. 21 pick into a rookie signal caller, the organization will presumably prefer a more reliable temporary solution at the position.
In New York, the Giants may not be as patient. Schultz says the Giants also still have interest in Rodgers, although the team will likely be pulling the trigger on a backup sooner than later. Russell Wilson is a fallback option for both squads, and the veteran QB seems to be the most impacted by Rodgers’ indecisiveness.
Considering Minnesota’s commitment to J.J. McCarthy and their sudden exit from the Rodgers pursuit, there were some questions regarding the team’s interest in the veteran in the first place. While much of the connection between the two appeared to be one-sided, Alec Lewis of The Athletic says there were “many” inside the Vikings building who supported the possibility. Another source told ESPN’s Kevin Seifert that Rodgers’ chances of joining Minnesota were “non-zero.” That’s not necessarily a ringing endorsement, but it also confirms interest nonetheless.