Steelers' Rodgers Move: Business or Uncertainty?

0:00On April 30, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy backed the team's move to slap an unrestricted free-agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rogers. It's a smart business play to stay in line for a compensatory draft pick if Rogers ends up signing elsewhere. Team President Art Rooney, the second, called it no big deal, saying they gave Rogers and his camp a heads up beforehand. McCarthy said it's all part of the ongoing process, with steady talks between them. Rogers is handling some personal stuff right now, and they'll chat soon. The tender sets them up nicely if things shift, keeping options open without drama. Analyst Jonathan Jones sees it differently, saying, this screen's uncertainty from the Steelers. They wouldn't need disinsurance if they were sure Rogers was staying put in black and gold. Folks figured he'd decide way before the draft, but no dice yet. The team offered Rogers a one-year deal, bumping his pay by 10% to just over $15 million. He can ink at any time, or negotiate something else.

1:00Meanwhile, he can still talk to other squads until July 22, or the start of training camp, whichever hits first. If Rogers bounces, he'd factor into that compic math, giving Pittsburgh some future draft juice. For now, it's all precautionary vibes as they wait on his call.