The offseason in the NFL often resembles a high-stakes game of musical chairs, especially for teams desperate to secure a veteran quarterback who can turn around their fortunes. This year, the music revolves around Aaron Rodgers, whose decision-making process has put several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, in a precarious waiting game.
The Waiting Game: Steelers and Giants on Hold
The Steelers and the Giants are at a crossroads, held in a waiting pattern by Rodgers’ indecisiveness. With the quarterback market in flux, both teams have been reluctant to make moves, hoping Rodgers chooses a direction soon. The situation has trapped other notable quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, and potentially Kirk Cousins in a state of uncertainty. As noted by Mike Florio of NBC Sports, the chase for a reliable quarterback can only be paused for so long before teams must move forward without Rodgers.
Giants’ Dire Need for Quarterback Stability
For the Giants, the urgency is palpable. Currently, with only Tommy DeVito on the roster—a journeyman with little experience—the team is in desperate need of a quarterback who can provide a glimmer of hope for the 2025 season. Over the past week, the Giants have explored options by bringing in Wilson, Flacco, and Winston for visits, looking for any viable candidate to bolster their ranks.
Steelers’ Position: A Slightly Better Outlook
The Steelers, on the other hand, appear to be in a somewhat better position. They have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, both of whom have had their moments under the NFL spotlight. Rudolph, in particular, showed promise towards the end of the 2023 season, stepping up admirably after Kenny Pickett was benched. With Rudolph seeking more than the Steelers were willing to offer and Thompson’s experience in a playoff game against Buffalo, the Steelers might opt to rely on their current roster through the draft unless a better opportunity presents itself.
Contractual Considerations and Future Implications
Should either team decide to add a veteran quarterback, the terms of any contract signed will be critical. The amount of guaranteed money at signing will indicate the likelihood of that player being retained or cut loose should Rodgers decide to join later. This potential for a mid-season change adds another layer of complexity to any negotiations and signings during this offseason.
Rodgers’ Calculated Risk and Possible Outcomes
Rodgers himself seems to be playing a strategic game, possibly holding out to see if he could fit into the Minnesota Vikings’ plans, depending on the offseason performance of J.J. McCarthy. This calculation risks leaving him without any team options if positions fill up before he makes his decision. His willingness to take this risk suggests a level of confidence or resignation that the right opportunity will present itself at the right time.
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the question remains: how long will the Steelers and Giants wait for Rodgers? And what will be the consequences of this high-stakes waiting game for their upcoming seasons? The answers will shape the landscape of the league and potentially define the futures of several teams and quarterbacks currently caught in limbo.