As the wait on Aaron Rodgers continues for the Steelers, an end doesn't appear to be in sight.
Although their season outlook depends significantly on Rodgers' decision, players participating in Pittsburgh's offseason activities aren't spending much time thinking about it.
“I think we just try to put our best foot forward every day," edge rusher Alex Highsmith said told Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo on Thursday's The Insiders. "Like with who’s in the building right now. I know Mason [Rudolph] being there, he’s done a great job. The guys are rallying around him and, like I said, he’s been with us before and guys know him, Pittsburgh fans know him. The way that he helped us finish in 2023 was awesome.
"No matter who’s back there for us, whether it’s him or if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come, I’m just excited. Whoever’s back there, we’re gonna have their backs and we’re gonna rally behind them. Just excited for whoever it’s gonna be.”
With each week that passes, the questions will intensify. Training camp is roughly two months away, and while that leaves plenty of time for Rodgers to join the Steelers, the lack of a decision is leaving Pittsburgh hanging. It won't be long before the questions regarding Rodgers become an annoyance, the precursor to the next step in the storyline evolution: distraction. That hasn't happened yet, though.
“I get asked a lot by my peers and some friends who are fans and stuff like that," Highsmith said when asked how often he was asked about Rodgers and if it was a distraction. "I just feel like in the locker room, we’re in there working and I think that’s just really what it’s about at this point. I know that if he does sign, we’re definitely going to be really excited to have him. We know who he is. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. He’s one of the best to ever do it.
"I wouldn’t say it’s a distraction at all, but we all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table.”
Rodgers has built a reputation for disregarding offseason timelines in favor of his own interests. He held out of Packers mandatory minicamp in 2021 and waited until the eve of training camp began before agreeing to return to the team. Two years later, he stated his intent to join the Jets (via trade) in the spring and was dealt to New York in late April of 2023.
This situation, however, is different. Rodgers isn't under contract anywhere and hasn't provided any clarity regarding his intent to play in 2025. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has remained incredibly patient, refusing to apply pressure on Rodgers while awaiting his decision. The Steelers have also given themselves somewhat of a safety net by bringing Rudolph -- the presumed starter if Rodgers doesn't sign with Pittsburgh -- back into the fold.
If Rodgers never signs, the Steelers will be forced to proceed with Rudolph, a career backup who led the Steelers from the brink of elimination to the playoffs in 2023. But all parties know Pittsburgh's ceiling falls significantly if Rodgers isn't included in their plans.
Unfortunately for them, they're all but powerless right now. And Rodgers isn't the only high-profile player who is carrying uncertainty into 2025.
All-world edge rusher T.J. Watt sent Steelers fans into a panic when he posted a photo of himself flashing a peace sign to social media in early April, a move that follows the playbook of those seeking new contracts. Watt is entering the final year of his current deal and is in line to make $21 million in base salary, a number that seems smaller after fellow elite edge rushers Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby each signed lucrative deals.
As Watt's running mate, Highsmith expressed confidence Watt wasn't contemplating leaving the Steelers. He knows it's a matter of money and believes Pittsburgh will deliver a proper deal to Watt before things move into uncertain waters.
“I’m confident that he’s not going anywhere," Highsmith said. "It was a cool picture at the game, I ain’t gonna lie. But, I know that he loves being here, he loves being in Pittsburgh and the city of Pittsburgh loves him and so I know that they’re gonna do whatever they can to get a deal done. And so hopefully sooner than later. Cause everyone knows that he’s a generational talent, generational player. We all know that he wants to be in this building.”
Pittsburgh has been relatively active this offseason, swinging a deal for receiver DK Metcalf before sending George Pickens to Dallas in a separate trade. The Steelers' final projected roster still includes Rodgers, but they won't know for certain until Rodgers commits.
As of now, it appears he's not ready to do so. The wait drags on.