A couple of years ago, Aaron Rodgers went into a “darkness retreat,” to contemplate his NFL future. He emerged from it four days later and after a few months, he was wearing Jets green. Now, as the 4x MVP exits his New York chapter, he is taking his sweet time to decide whether he will return for redemption or hang up his cleats. But this time, Rodgers isn’t the one sitting in the dark—it’s the NFL teams waiting on his decision, left to navigate the uncertainty while the veteran quarterback tests their patience.

While he did not lock himself in a pitch-black room, Rodgers was seen taking a quiet stroll on the beach side in Malibu as speculation around his future builds. According to reports, Rodgers is in no hurry to make a decision on his future with NFL insider Ian Rapport noting, “there’s no actual deadline” for him to announce his next move. As such, it wouldn’t be surprising to see history repeat itself when he signed with the Jets the day before the NFL draft in 2023. But are the teams willing to wait around that long this time?

With the Vikings seemingly opting out of a deal for Rodgers, the Steelers have emerged as a strong candidate for the QB’s next NFL destination. The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains precarious with only one name signed to their active roster. Mason Rudolph, who played for the Steelers from 2019 to 2023, returned to the franchise on a two-year, $8 million deal, but is seen as more of a backup option. With the possibility of Russell Wilson’s return still lurking, it appears the Steelers are willing to play the waiting game when it comes to Rodgers.

In his NFL Confidential column, Jordan Schultz reported, “Sources have indicated that the Pittsburgh Steelers are fine waiting for Rodgers to make a decision — on whether he’s ultimately playing in 2025, and if so, where — and money has not been an issue.” This suggests that Pittsburgh does not have any issues with Rodgers taking solo walks on the beach until Labor Day if it means securing a QB who’s thrown more touchdowns (503) than Pittsburgh has had Primanti Bros. sandwiches. But how does signing Rodgers affect their salary cap situation?

Earlier, it was believed that the former Packers man was looking for $90 million over two years to sign with the Steelers. However, since then it has been reported that he is “seeking an annual salary in the same general range as (Sam) Darnold’s.” Darnold signed a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks after leaving the Vikings this free agency. While the money may not prove to be a roadblock for the Steelers, they will be keen on a deal that is mutually beneficial.

Their salary cap sits at $35 million for the Steelers currently, which gives them some room to wiggle, but doesn’t mean they would break the bank for a QB that they need. But we are not talking about any QB here.

The Steelers aren’t just recruiting a quarterback—they’re courting a narrative. Rodgers vs. the AFC North? That’s a headline right there. However, Rodgers had a forgettable last season with the Jets, as the team recorded a five-win season.

Both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas lost their jobs and the new Jets regime, led by coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, made it clear to Rodgers that he was not a part of the team’s future plans. He was released at the start of the new league year earlier in March.

The idea of signing a player who is thinking about retirement might not sound appealing, but desperate situations call for desperate moves. The Steelers could assure themselves that Rodgers would be keen to go out on a high note and pairing him with the duo of George Pickens and DK Metcalf could uplift their offense. With their QB options thin, the Steelers are happy to wait as Rodgers bides his time. But not everyone is on board with the waiting game. Steelers DT Cameron Heyward is actually tired of it.

Talking on his Not Just Football podcast on Tuesday, Heyward said that he wants the QB situation at Pittsburgh to be resolved as quickly as possible. “I want to play football. I’m tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I’d rather have it done. I don’t know what ends up happening,” he said.

When asked by his co-host Hayden Walsh whether he would join Rodgers on his infamous dark retreat if it meant the QB coming to Pittsburgh, Heyward didn’t mince his words. “I ain’t doing that darkness retreat. I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. That’s simple, that’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers—if you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back,” he responded.

There is a possibility that the Steelers’ ploy of playing along with Rodgers’ plans could backfire. Russell Wilson is reported to be interested in a return for the black and gold again and it would make sense for the Steelers to re-sign him and be a bridge QB to a younger talent. But what happens if Wilson moves elsewhere before Rodgers makes a decision? More worryingly what will the Steelers be left with if he opts for the Giants, another team in contention for Rodgers, or chooses to retire?

While this will leave the Steelers scrambling, they still might have one option- Joe Flacco. Yes, the same Flacco who has been a pain in the backside for the Steelers throughout his career. A starter for rivals Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to 2018, he lost his starting role to Lamar Jackson. Despite not starting more than eight games in a year since leaving Baltimore, he is keen to continue his playing career and as such could be in line for a role under Mike Tomlin.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings, who would have been left facing the same predicament, moved quickly to secure their future at QB.

Minnesota end Rodgers interest to bet on rookie

Despite Rodgers’ “interest” in reuniting with old NFC North frenemies, head coach Kevin O’Connell doubled down on J.J. McCarthy, their 22-year-old QB prodigy. “I’ve known Aaron since we both lived in San Diego… he’s one of the smartest, most aware players in our league,” O’Connell admitted. However, the Vikings are not going ahead with Rodgers, despite losing Sam Darnold in free agency. Instead, they have placed their trust in J.J McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury.

The decision has been made keeping in mind the chance to build a legacy. Betting on McCarthy, the kid who went 27-1 at Michigan, is a bold move, one that could yet pay off in the long run.

The NFL’s QB carousel isn’t just about arms and audibles—it’s about identity. Pittsburgh’s culture is The Terrible Towel, six Lombardis, and a defense that hits like a steel mill explosion. Minnesota’s? It’s the Skol chant, purple panic, and a hunger so deep it could swallow Lake Superior. By choosing McCarthy, the Vikings aren’t rejecting Rodgers; they’re looking to the future. And in a league obsessed with “what’s next,” that’s either genius or gridiron malpractice.

The clock’s ticking but who’s counting? Rodgers’ next move isn’t just a decision—it’s a reckoning. For Pittsburgh, landing him could turn the AFC North into a John Wick sequel: stylish, violent, and wildly entertaining. For Minnesota, skipping him is a gamble that’ll either mint McCarthy as the next big thing or bury O’Connell in an avalanche of “I told you so’s.” 

Tick-tock, A-Rod. The ball’s in your end zone. 🏈💥