We’re a week away from the NFL Draft, and the Steelers’ quarterback room still feels like a waiting room. Justin Fields is gone; Russell Wilson is gone; Kenny Pickett is out. At one point, the Steelers’ owner almost confirmed that the deal with Aaron Rodgers is done, didn’t he? “We keep hearing that he’s, I guess, headed in our direction,” Rooney said, “and so that seems to (indicate that) all signs are positive so far.” But truth be told, Aaron Rodgers is still without an NFL team in 2025, and as of Thursday, his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show has only led to more questions than answers.

Just last week, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports predicted that if the Steelers want Rodgers on their roster, they would have to pay him around $25 million. Mind you, Rodgers was paid $37.5 million a year with the Jets before leaving them. However, considering he is already 41 and isn’t privileged with too many options, Benjamin estimated a contract worth around $25-30 million a year.

“Remember, Rodgers took a pay cut just to facilitate his move from the Packers to the Jets. Is he really going to jack up the price after enduring his New York slog? If he does, he might not have any suitors whatsoever.” But now, brushing aside all the speculation, Rodgers himself has come forward to lay bare how much it would take to land the future Hall of Famer in Pittsburgh, one that would make him the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the NFL other than those on rookie contracts!

In light of what Rodgers terms as “bullshit” theories and rumors, Rodgers finally agreed to a 40-minute segment The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday after apparent urging of his sister to make his first public statements ever since the New York Jets announced their intentions to release him on Feb. 13. Currently at Malibu, leading “a quiet life,” Rodgers, a player whose best days are way behind, said it plainly and clearly that he is not looking for a lucrative contract. “I’m open to anything and attached to nothing.

“It ain’t about the money. I’ll play for $10M. I never said that I need a multi-million, multi-year deal… I told every single one of the teams, it’s not about the money … I’ll play for [$10 million], I don’t care.

“I’m not holding anybody hostage—I really want to emphasize that. … I’m just going through a lot in my personal life that has to take precedent at this point. … At the same time, I want to keep the lines of communication open […] Listen, this entire time I haven’t felt like I owed somebody any decision at some point. I’ve been upfront with them about that. If you need to move on, call me, by all means. … There’s been no deadline. And yeah, I’ve talked to Mike (Tomlin) many times.

“

Does that mean it’s a done deal? Well, not exactly. Like Pat McAfee said last month: If he plays, it’d be for the Steelers. That’s looking more realistic than just an insider’s words, now. But was there any other team that could have actually landed him?

Aaron Rodgers’ views on Steelers’ competition to sign him

Aaron Rodgers finally spoke up after weeks of rumors, whispers, and oddly specific Reddit threads claiming he was pitching himself to the Vikings. Spoiler: he wasn’t. The report from Sports Illustrated claiming he pitched himself to Minnesota? “That’s not accurate either.”

He admitted he’s got a long history with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell—they’ve known each other for nearly two decades—but made it clear: no pitch was made, no secret plan to mentor J.J. McCarthy was in the works.

But what led to that Vikings chatter? Basically, Minnesota just moved on from Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones this offseason. That’s where it all began. You’d be absolutely right in saying that they’ve got a loaded roster with McCarthy coming back from injury. And that’s why the idea of Rodgers going to Minnesota faded pretty quick.

However, now, it all makes sense. I mean, A-Rod was decent in the 2024 season. But in a fast-paced modern football action where we are calling out Patrick Mahomes for throwing for 3,928 yards (his career-lowest since holding the QB1 in KC), it wouldn’t have made sense to give the leash to a declining AR, who threw for just 3,897.

As for Steel City, they could do with a season for Rodgers. A week left before the Steelers begin their voluntary OTAs. And less than a week left before the draft kicks in. Just reminding all the parties at play, here.