It seems like the Steelers’ patience with Aaron Rodgers is finally paying off. After the first domino fell earlier this week when it was reported the Vikings wouldn’t be pursuing Rodgers. Looks like the 4-time NFL MVP has had enough of the Brett Favre dream. Yep, he was definitely interested in wearing the purple and gold. But now Rodgers has a change of mind. He is going after the franchise that wanted him from the beginning of free agency all along. Rodgers probably said to himself, “black and gold may not look bad on me after all.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Gerry Dulac reported, “Aaron Rodgers is at the Steelers facility today, an indication a deal with the team could be forthcoming, per sources.” He is said to be visiting the South Side facility on Friday, but he is still far away from earning a deal. Dulac further added to his breaking news, “Sources have cautioned a commitment from Rodgers may not come today. If at all. As he is just visiting with team owner Art Rooney II, coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan.” However, seeing Rodgers meeting the Steelers’ top brass, it might be only a matter of time before he becomes the Steelers QB.

If this move does happen, it might be the biggest free agency acquisition in the Steelers’ history. Rodgers is already a future Hall of Famer, having 20 years of experience in the league. 4 league MVP titles, 10 Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl, over 60,000 passing yards and 503 TDs. A-Rod definitely comes with a strong resume. But his Jets chapter could still raise eyebrows if the Steelers do make Rodgers their QB come the 2025 season. Starting all 17 games in the Big Apple, Rodgers only led the Jets to 5 wins last season.

Yes, his numbers were obviously good (3,897 yards and 28 TDs) at 40. But at the end of the day, obviously, the results will matter. And surely, Tomlin isn’t too glad to jeopardize his winning record by leaving his QB room exposed. Like Mason Rudolph could be a starter in Steel City, but is he the answer to the Steelers’ playoff hopes? Well, absolutely not. In his 7 years in the league, Rudolph has only started 18 games. Last year, he started 5 games in Music City, but he only led the Titans to a solitary victory.

So, looking at the dire state of the Steelers QB room. Seeing them target Rodgers isn’t really surprising. But the real question is, will this move pay off? Well, an ex-Steelers executive warned Mike Tomlin about signing Rodgers just hours before he paid a visit to their facility.

Ex-Steelers executive used a cautionary tale to warn the Steelers against Aaron Rodgers signing

Football is a very risky sport. You can probably gamble with receivers, offensive linemen, running backs or even defenders. But gamble with your quarterback. And if he fails—your season is cooked. With that being said, former Bills GM and Steelers executive Doug Whaley painted a bleak picture of the Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers. He used the example of Percy Harvin to caution the Steelers about signing the 41-year-old. He remembered how the Bills signed Harvin to a one-year, $6M deal. At first, it looked like the gamble paid off, as Harvin got off to a blazing start.

Scoring a 51-yard TD in his first game as a Bill. Then, leading the team in receptions in a blowout win against the Dolphins. Everything was going at the right pace for Harvin in Buffalo—until November arrived. That is when Harvin landed in the injury reserves and thought of retirement. “About Week 8 or 9 we’re going over to London to play the Jaguars that week. He comes in and says, I’m retired. And we’re like, wait a minute. It was crushing cause we were right in the playoff mix.” Harvin didn’t play a single snap for the rest of that season. And the Bills went on to miss the playoffs as Whaley was left feeling distraught.

So, seeing how he had to deal with players harboring retirement thoughts in his mind. Whaley wants the Steelers to take a closer look at the Rodgers deal to avoid such dire circumstances. “If you start talking retirement at 41, is he going to be able to get over that thought process in his mind and be able to give 110% for the entire of the season?” Whaley mulled. Well, right now, it seems like the Steelers don’t really care about Rodgers’ retirement concerns.

All they want is to have a solid QB before the new season. Otherwise, retirement or not. Tomlin might not even stay in Steel City if his team fails to reach the playoffs, at the very least.