Steelers' competition for Aaron Rodgers just got a whole lot easier following sudden departure of quarterback Russell Wilson
Well, the long-awaited, rumored, and expected departure of Russell Wilson finally occurred on Tuesday. Wilson is headed to the New York Giants, who were the lone remaining team that gave the Steelers a run for Aaron Rodgers. But that doesn't mean the Steelers can pop the champagne on a Rodgers signing just yet… Aaron Rodgers down […]
Well, the long-awaited, rumored, and expected departure of Russell Wilson finally occurred on Tuesday.
Wilson is headed to the New York Giants, who were the lone remaining team that gave the Steelers a run for Aaron Rodgers.
But that doesn't mean the Steelers can pop the champagne on a Rodgers signing just yet…
Aaron Rodgers down to Steelers or retirement
Russell Wilson and the Giants’ agreement now eliminates New York as a potential option this season for Aaron Rodgers.It also now leaves Rodgers and the Steelers in a position to work out their own agreement, if the quarterback decides he wants to play this season.But both former Steelers quarterbacks have landed in New York — Wilson with the Giants, Justin Fields with the Jets – and New York’s former QB now has the option to land in Pittsburgh.
– Adam Schefter, ESPN
It had become increasingly clear that Rodgers was down to Pittsburgh or retirement, but the move from New York solidifies it. Russell Wilson had no shot at coming back once it became obvious that even Mike Tomlin, the man who wanted Wilson more than anyone, had lost his feelings for Russ.
"Russell Wilson is still in play for the Giants, even though they signed Jameis [Winston]," NFL on Fox insider Jordan Schultz told the Herd with Colin Cowherd on Monday. "But, as it's been made clear to me, he does not have the same type of relationship he had with Mike Tomlin going back a year ago."
The fact that Russ and OC Arthur Smith couldn't stand each other by the end of the season never boded well for Wilson's return to the Steelers. But Mike Tomlin is the shot caller in Pittsburgh. It became clear that he and Art Rooney were still considering Wilson in the weeks after the season, but even there temperament on Russ changed.
So then there were two. Unless there is some mystery team or the Minnesota Vikings suddenly get back in the race, the Steelers are only in competition for Rodgers with walks on Malibu Beach or darkness reteats in foreign countries.
Pittsburgh put all their chips in on Aaron Rodgers, and they are one step closer to winning the pot. But if he strays for whatever reason, the Steelers will have a lot of explaining to do, as that would mean Mason Rudolph is now the team's starter.
