Steelers' Rodgers Tender: Time, Leverage, or Farewell?

0:00On April 30, Pittsburgh Steelers just dropped the unrestricted free-agent tender on Aaron Rodgers this past Monday, straight business to lock NA. Potential compensatory draft pick, if he bounces to another squad. If they were dead certain, he'd suit up in black and gold again, no need for this move. It screams uncertainty about whether the future Hall of Famer is. Riding back to the Steel City, this tender keeps Rodgers in the mix for those draft goodies based on free agency comings and goings, something teams like the Jets and Seahawks are. Gaming 2. Steelers owner Art Rooney, the second laid it out clear. They don't expect Rodgers to jet, but with the deadline hitting Monday, they pulled the trigger to protect their spot, alerting him and his camp ahead of time. Fans and insiders are buzzing, because last year, Rodgers clicked hard with Mike Tomlin during that six-hour meet-up, leading to a handshake deal at just 13 million bucks. Now without that vibe, folks wonder if the bonds faded, especially since Rodgers gave Pittsburgh a bargain and played lights out.

1:05Turning 2. Transactional? If Rodgers doesn't ink the tender or sign anywhere by July 22nd, Steelers get exclusive negotiating rights, slamming the door on any. Late season drama like jumping mid-year to a contender. No more waiting gains or partial campaigns, it's all or nothing through the bird now. Bottom line, this chest play buys the Steelers time and leverage while Rodgers mose his next verse. Retire, return, or rare wildcard elsewhere. Pittsburgh's prepped either way as training camp looms.