Aaron Rodgers keeps Steelers waiting, but owner says they’re ready to be patient

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason storyline continues to circle around one familiar name—Aaron Rodgers. As the team heads into Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the 41-year-old quarterback remains unsigned, and questions continue to swirl about whether he will take the field in black and gold for the 2025 NFL season.Aaron Rodgers, who entered free agency after being released by the New York Jets in February, has been the subject of persistent rumors linking him to Pittsburgh. From throwing passes to newly acquired receiver DK Metcalf during a visit, to internal buzz suggesting the Steelers were frontrunners, the groundwork appeared to be laid. Yet as May winds down, there's still no signature on the dotted line.Steelers owner Art Rooney II was once again asked to address the Rodgers situation during a press interaction on Thursday. His response didn’t offer anything new but reaffirmed his previous stance from April. “A little while longer. I'll say the same thing,” Rooney told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.It’s been nearly two months since Rooney first stated the team would wait “not forever, but a little while longer.” That window is slowly closing. With OTAs scheduled for May 27 and a second round beginning June 3, Pittsburgh’s urgency is quietly increasing. While it isn’t absolutely essential for Rodgers to attend these workouts, his presence could be valuable in building chemistry, getting to know his teammates, and absorbing the offensive playbook.Currently, the Steelers’ quarterback room lacks the star power or depth expected of a playoff contender. Mason Rudolph, known more as a serviceable backup than a franchise savior, sits atop the depth chart. Behind him is sixth-round rookie Will Howard, who might have long-term potential but isn’t expected to make immediate waves. Compared to Rodgers’ resume—which includes 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 games last season—there's a clear gap in experience and capability.Rodgers' fit in Pittsburgh, at least on paper, remains ideal. The team has bolstered its receiving corps, maintained a strong defense, and could use the veteran presence of a future Hall of Famer to guide a young locker room. Yet, the clock continues to tick, and each passing day adds uncertainty to an already fluid situation.Rooney may still be showing patience, but it’s clear the Steelers can't afford to wait indefinitely. The quarterback position is too crucial, and the stakes are too high for a team with postseason ambitions. If Rodgers truly envisions himself making a final run in Pittsburgh, his decision must come sooner rather than later.Ultimately, the ball is in Rodgers’ court. His next move will not only shape the Steelers' season but could define the final chapter of his storied career. For now, Pittsburgh remains in limbo, hoping the answer comes before training camp forces their hand.Also Read: “A moron”: Aaron Rodgers rips Kamala Harris, says snubbing Joe Rogan was political suicide