Aaron Rodgers—time is running out. As Art Rooney II has made quite clear, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not playing the “sit around and wait forever” game. Waiting around like a high school student for a text response is actually not how the Steelers deal with things. Rooney made the choice to end all the speculation at the NFL’s annual league meetings by giving what may be the most obvious indication to date that the Steelers are anticipating Rodgers to make a decision—soon.

Let’s set the scenario: Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have both taken their skills elsewhere, so the Steelers have been making a concerted effort to acquire a top-tier quarterback. Up to a certain point, Pittsburgh is indicating that they are fully committed to Aaron Rodgers, the final well-known player on the board. But they have a message for Rodgers: They feel good about where things stand, but the clock is ticking.

The Steelers’ management took turns answering the same question over and over again: What’s wrong with Rodgers? When asked whether Pittsburgh was satisfied to wait, Rooney, ever the diplomat, provided the most illuminating response yet. “Well, not forever, but a little while longer,” acknowledged Rooney. Translation: We won’t install a rotating door just for you, but we will keep the door open.

“We keep hearing that signs are pointing our way,” Rooney said. “We feel good about it.” And this has added to the Steelers’ expectations: Rodgers’ recent workouts with recently acquired wideout DK Metcalf were a neon sign that flashed—”I might just be interested.” Rooney paid attention, like, we see you, Aaron. But hurry it up. “I would say it was a good sign that he (Rodgers) wanted to do that,” Rooney told reporters. “We keep hearing that [Rodgers is] headed in our direction. All signs are positive so far.”

Never one to mince words, Tomlin made it clear that the true deadline is training camp. The Steelers don’t want to allow uncertainty to interfere with the actual preseason grind, even though they are willing to push this into OTAs and mini-camp if needed. Chemistry is important. Time is of the essence. And if Rodgers needs until the Fourth of July to decide, he might find Pittsburgh has already moved on to Plan B.

On March 21, the veteran quarterback was also seen meeting with head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan at the Steelers’ facility. Rooney said the talks were excellent, Rodgers was interested, and it all seemed optimistic. But the problem is that despite all the warm and fuzzy vibes, the Steelers are still waiting for Rodgers to actually commit.

Although patience is a virtue, Rooney made sure to stress that Pittsburgh isn’t operating on an endless waiting list. He gave a straightforward “NO”—twice—when asked if he thought this would go on forever. He further emphasised the memo’s importance, saying, “Not forever, but a little while longer,” in case Rodgers missed it. Tomlin supported it by implying that patience is limited and that, even though there isn’t a set deadline, they would value some clarification. The bottom line? The Steelers are not interested in offseason showmanship; if Rodgers doesn’t make a decision, they’ll go on.

So, Aaron, what’s it gonna be? Are you suiting up in black and gold, or are we all just here for another round of your offseason theatrics?

Aaron Rodgers’ indecision tour: Steelers, Vikings, or retirement?

The Aaron Rodgers offseason drama is beginning to resemble a long Christopher Nolan film, with everyone watching, no one really understanding what’s going on, and a guy at the centre who might or might not want to be there. After touring the Steelers’ facilities on his own initiative and watching a film with the coaches, Rodgers vanished into thin air. The classic Rodgers. Since the beginning of free agency, Pittsburgh’s management has made an offer and hasn’t changed its mind. And truthfully? Most likely, they won’t.

According to reports, Rodgers isn’t very interested in a pay raise because he has earned over $380 million in his career, therefore, money isn’t the main factor. It’s about the vibe. So, that’s why Rodgers is yearning for a familiar setting following the Jets catastrophe. The Steelers might be the best place for him to land because of their traditional organisational structure and defence, which is full of guys who seem to be constantly upset about their quarterback situation.

There are rumours, though, that Rodgers might favour the Vikings. After a turbulent time with the Jets, Brett Favre famously performed this exact dance while he waited for a position in Minnesota. The issue is that the Vikings recently selected J.J. McCarthy and, at least in public, they support him. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the GM of Minnesota, isn’t closing the door on Rodgers, but they’re also not in a hurry to bust it open either.

But here is the real catch: Maxx Crosby, a Raiders star, recently expressed his opinion that he believes the four-time MVP is finished. Perhaps Rodgers is prepared for the full-time “eccentric retired QB” lifestyle after years of toying with the concept of retirement and experimenting with ayahuasca, darkness retreats, and McAfee show monologues.

Rodgers is pushing the clock down like it’s the last two minutes of an NFC Championship game he’s going to lose, while the rest of the NFL is playing a waiting game. The Steelers are waiting. He is being watched by the Vikings. The league as a whole? Most likely, all they want is for this story to conclude quickly.

What comes next, then? The Steelers must make a choice quickly. Pittsburgh will have to switch to a far less interesting set of options—Flacco, Wentz, and Tannehill—if Rodgers retires or waits too long. Yes, opposition defences aren’t particularly intimidated by that type of quarterback room.

The simple truth is that Pittsburgh is the only viable option left for Rodgers if he wishes to continue playing. That door may also close if he waits too long. And if it happens, Rodgers may be left with little choice but to go permanently. At the end of the day, the Steelers have made their position clear. They want Rodgers, they believe he’s leaning their way, but they’re not about to wait forever.