Is Aaron Rodgers ghosting Steelers amid Vikings' uncertainty?

As of the first week of April, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly weren't too stressed over the fact they hadn't yet signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Minnesota Vikings made it known they'd begin springtime workouts with 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy serving as their QB1. 

However, it now appears that the Steelers and outsiders have just about the same information regarding Rodgers' plans for the 2025 season. 

"I spoke to Pittsburgh this morning," NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic said during a Wednesday appearance on FS1's "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" program, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "No updates. Think about this. No updates right now. At this point, as we're a week out from the draft, [the Steelers] still have no idea whether or not Aaron Rodgers is gonna sign with them."

As much as the Vikings want McCarthy to prove through the end of mandatory minicamp that he'll be ready to face live defenses in meaningful games coming off the full meniscus repair that sidelined him for his entire rookie season, Minnesota seemingly could give Rodgers a call in June if individuals within the organization believe at that time the future Hall of Famer would be the better option for a team that went 14-3 this past season. 

Additionally, some think Rodgers may be waiting to hear from the New Orleans Saints. It's possible New Orleans starter Derek Carr will never take another meaningful in-game snap for the club if he misses any part of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury that the public only recently learned about. 

Pittsburgh was always expected to select a quarterback during the upcoming draft, even if the club locked Rodgers down via a contract before April 24. If the 41-year-old remains unsigned, the Steelers may feel the need to move up in the draft order so they can acquire either Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart. 

"[The Steelers] still want him, but I just think Aaron knows he's got the leverage in the situation here," Russini added. Russini also indicated that Rodgers may prefer to join a different team this spring or summer. 

One would think Pittsburgh won't want to enter training camp with longtime backup Mason Rudolph as the starter over Skylar Thompson and a rookie. That said, it's now clear that at least some within the Steelers were much more confident about Rodgers playing for the club later this year than they should have been back in March.