NFL free agency starts March 11.
The legal tampering period begins March 9.
The Steelers should insist that Aaron Rodgers decides whether or not to play by then — preferably a week before — and in writing.
The Steelers should not trust Rodgers.
The citizens (and perhaps the organization) seem to believe that Rodgers somehow formed some deep attachment to the team and town during the one year he played in Pittsburgh.
But the coach Rodgers wanted to play for is gone, replaced by a coach that Rodgers played for before but with whom he had a checkered relationship.
Rodgers was, at best, moderately successful last season and looked every day of his age.
The Steelers have no chance to win a Super Bowl next season. Rodgers isn’t stupid. He knows that.
It’s highly unlikely that a better team comes calling. But if one does, like Minnesota, Rodgers will go there and not lose a second’s sleep over it.
Rodgers does what’s best for Rodgers. At 42, who can blame him? The clock’s not only ticking, the alarm’s about to go off. (It would hardly be shocking if Rodgers retired.)
Rodgers dragged it out last year. He likes the attention.
The Steelers shouldn’t let him drag it out this year.
But that’s just for optics, to keep the organization from looking soft again.
In tangible terms, it matters little.
If the Steelers draft a quarterback, he won’t start.
Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are under contract.
They can always get a washed-up bum as this year’s (very used) model. Derek Carr, Kirk Cousins, whoever. Teams won’t be beating a path to their doors. Hey, what’s Terry Hanratty doing these days?
If Rodgers bails, Plan B has no timetable. It could be executed the day before training camp starts. Because it’s not very ambitious. (Neither is bringing back Rodgers.)
The Steelers should forget Rodgers and sign Malik Willis, then draft a quarterback this year or next. That hedges their bet for long-term QB. (They won’t do that.)
There are all sorts of reports regarding what Rodgers will do. They seem fabricated. Rodgers keeps his own counsel. His camp doesn’t have leaks. (He might not even have a camp.)
The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy at least partly because that was the likeliest scenario to ensure that Rodgers returned.
What if he doesn’t? Does appointing McCarthy suddenly become a bad decision?
The Steelers continue to be haphazard.
They should hire Joey Porter Sr. to do PR.
