The NFL offseason is basically turning into a high-stakes game of The Bachelor, and Aaron Rodgers is the guy with the final rose. On one side, the Steelers are making their move, eyes locked on their prize. On the other, the Giants aren’t backing down, still very much in the race. It’s a full-blown tug-of-war, and with time running out, the big question is—who’s pulling harder? And more importantly, what’s Mike Tomlin got up his sleeve?

Let’s be real—Tomlin has been the HC of the Steelers for nearly two decades now. And after moving on from Russell Wilson and losing Justin Fields to the Jets, he surely has something up his sleeve to sign Rodgers. And with his recent signing of the veteran wide receiver, DK Metcalf, you can just say the HC is still in pursuit of Rodgers—despite the Giants having their sight on the QB.

According to the senior NFL Inside, Josina Anderson, Tomlin wanted Metcalf in Pittsburgh. “Tomlin was very adamant about getting DK Metcalf from what I hear,” she reported. “Clearly he’s still at the table over his dice on Rodgers, now he has to bring it home.” Well, the Steelers had been on a hunt to sign a high-profile receiver since the last season when they failed to sign Brandon Aiyuk.

Fast forward to now, and Mike Tomlin finally got his WR1. No surprise there—he had his eyes on Metcalf all offseason. And for good reason. The Steelers struggled in the passing game last season, finishing 27th in passing yards. That’s not exactly the stat you want if you’re gunning for a serious playoff run. So yeah, Tomlin wasn’t just interested in adding firepower—he needed it.

On the other hand, Metcalf was also seeking a $30M per year deal, which the Seahawks might have declined at any time in the offseason. Plus, considering Rodgers is coming after playing alongside Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson, you can just say that the HC needed a true WR1 if Rodgers join the Steelers.

With that being said, Anderson reported that after the signing of Metcalf, the Steelers were feeling like they were “getting closer” to Aaron Rodgers. Mike Tomlin had already got his hands on Metcalf and now, the HC’s targeting the 41-year-old veteran—unless the Giants decide to make a surprise visit.

The Giants just don’t want to give up on Aaron Rodgers

After the Vikings decided to stay put with J.J. McCarthy instead of signing Rodgers, the Big Blues were patiently waiting for the QB’s response. But nope, A-Rod decided to visit the Steelers facility where he reportedly spent a few hours with the head coach, Tomlin, and the offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. The result? Well, the Giants moved on from A-Rod and signed the veteran Jamies Winston instead.

Now, if you’re thinking that Winston’s signing would alter the circumstances for the Giants to sign Rodgers—think again. According to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Giants are still in pursuit of signing A-Rod, as he re-shared the tweet from the NFL Network Tom Pelissero’s announcement that the Giants have signed Winston.

“This does not change the #Giants’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers or alter any other possible QB routes,” Garafolo said. The kicker? Well, according to Garafolo, the Giants’ signing of Winston is “Just getting a veteran QB under contract in a QB room that only had Tommy DeVito coming into the day.” Well, his statement isn’t without merit, if we’re being honest.

See it with Winston’s contract terms: the New York team signed Winston on a $8 million deal for a couple of years. Now, that’s surely not giving a “starting QB” vibe. Nah, the Giants are paying him the backup wages. That said, and with Aaron Rodgers still up for grabs, don’t be surprised if the Giants make a power move and snag him.