Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Wednesday.
The Kickoff
For all of us – including me – who assumed the Steelers knew when Aaron Rodgers was returning, I guess we were wrong. Yesterday, the organization turned to a seldom used rule to better position themselves with Rodgers. The ‘unrestricted free agent tender’ provides for some guidelines both contractually and if Rodgers chooses to go elsewhere. This is the clearest sign we’ve had that the team is still uncertain of his attentions. Basically, the tender puts the following things into motion.
-If he signs elsewhere, the Steelers would get a compensatory draft pick (most likely a fourth)
-If he returns to the Steelers, he gets a 10% raise from his salary from last year so he’d be over $15 million
-He can negotiate with other clubs but the Steelers have the right to match
-Once Training Camp begins he can only sign with the Steelers
My first thought is that if Rodgers negotiates with other teams, then why would the Steelers want him back? Volunteers, not hostages right? Rodgers could still work out a contract for more money with the Steelers but $15 million is incredibly cheap for a QB these days. I don’t see the Steelers budging much from that. Personally, I’m 100% ready to move on from Rodgers. I can handle a losing season. I’ve survived them before and there’s no guarantee they won’t have one with Rodgers anyway.
Rodgers Part 2
Several weeks ago, there was a story that Denver could be interested in Aaron Rodgers. The majority opinion at the time was that Bo Nix may not have been healing as quickly as hoped from his AFC Divisional Playoff injury. We’ve now heard that Nix is scheduled to receive a “clean up” procedure on that same ankle. While it isn’t thought to be serious, one cannot help but wonder how long this sets him back. Honestly, I don’t see Rodgers going anywhere to be a place holder.
Big Ben Chimes In
Steelers’ legend Ben Roethlisberger shared his thoughts on the drafting of Drew Allar and the Steelers’ QB situation in general on his podcast this week. Right now, he’s all-in on Will Howard suggesting that he “jumps off the tape more than Allar does.” We shall see.
I literally Thought the Exact Same Thing
Random Reads
The situation with the Texas Tech QB off to rehab for gambling is the tip of the ice berg in my opinion. Sports gambling is HUGE on these campuses and I doubt he will be the last of thee stories…Kudos to the Pens for battling back. They can tie up the series by winning in Philly… Riley Nowakowski might end up being one of the better selections of this draft. I think you’ll see him as a much better version of Connor Heyward… I don’t really get the Ravens signing Diego Pavia to a contract already… 76 teams in the NCAA tourney now? Why not just let everyone in. Sheesh… Can an eye on C.J. Carr, the Notre Dame QB. I have a feeling we will see him very close to the top of most draft boards in 2027.
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