Steelers Players At OTAs Are Now Sick And Tired Of Ridiculous Hold Up With Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers held the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, and there were a handful of significant players that were absent. Although OTAs are completely voluntary, especially for the longer-tenured veterans, it's still worthy to note that TJ Watt, DK Metcalf, and Aaron Rodgers, who hasn't officially signed a contract with Pittsburgh, all weren't on the field on Tuesday. Leading the quarterback group, for the time being, is Mason Rudolph, after returning from one season with the Tennessee Titans.

OTAs are a great time, particularly for rookies and other young players, to show what they've got and what kind of physical shape they are in. The Steelers' 2025 draft class is an exciting group, and this week should more so be about them and their place within the organization. However, the continuing concern surrounding the quarterback spot, because of Rodgers, is the topic that's been most talked about in Pittsburgh. 

From the start of free agency to the end of draft week, and leading up to OTAs, the talk has been about if and when Rodgers will officially sign as a Steeler. Unfortunately for the rest of the team, a lot of questions coming from reporters in interviews are about Rodgers, who isn't on the team yet. Rodgers has made it public that he has stuff in his personal life to take care of before committing to a team for the 2025 season.

Ray Fittipaldo, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was one of the many Steelers insiders that attended Day 1 of OTAs in Pittsburgh. Appearing on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan Morning Show on Wednesday, Fittipaldo was asked what his biggest takeaway was from Tuesday. 

"I just think it's the uncertainty that looms over this football team," Fittipaldo started. "You know, a lot of the guys yesterday said the right things when it came to Aaron Rodgers not being there, but I also got the sense that they're kind of sick of, not talking about it because yesterday was the first time they talked about it, but they're just kind of sick of this being the storyline about this football team for more than two months now."

Fittipaldo believes the rest of the Steelers' players are in the clear from questions surrounding Rodgers until minicamp arrives. Pittsburgh's first day of minicamp is set for June 10th.

"They said the right things yesterday. I don't think honestly, guys, this won't come up again until minicamp. Now, if this is still ongoing at minicamp, yeah, guys are gonna have to answer these questions again. They kind of got it out of the way yesterday and we'll hopefully have two weeks of peace and quiet until minicamp gets here."

Multiple players gave intriguing words and perspectives about the situation with Rodgers on Tuesday, including Rudolph, Pat Freiermuth, and Patrick Queen. It has to be somewhat annoying to Rudolph especially, who without Rodgers is the team's starting quarterback. Rudolph did admit, however, in an interview, that the team will add another quarterback to the roster.

No one, except potentially members of the Steelers' front office, truly knows when Rodgers will be ready to sign a contract and get on the field with his new teammates. Rodgers has been one in the past that will sit out for some voluntary work, but minicamp in June is mandatory for players on the roster. 

Steelers' Mason Rudolph Seems Confident In Arthur Smith's Offense

Rudolph was with Tennessee last year during the first year of a Steelers' offense under Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator. In 2023 and prior, Rudolph's previous offensive coordinators with the Steelers were Matt Canada and Randy Fichtner. Obviously Canada's tenure with the Steelers was relatively short-lived and unsuccessful. Rudolph already seems confident in Smith and said he fits his system well. 

What do you think about Fittipaldo's thoughts on the players and Rodgers? How do you think the rest of the team is viewing Rodgers at this point? Let us know in the comments below.

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