Aaron Rodgers Rumors: Teams Think QB Not 'Close' to Decision After Steelers Visit

Despite a lengthy visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not be close to making a decision on where he'll play next season.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter on Monday that teams believe Rodgers has not "come close to making up his mind."

"I was speaking with another decision maker who looms large in this whole process as well and made very clear that he does not, nor do other teams believe that Rodgers has come close to making up his mind," Fowler said. "Obviously, indicated by the fact that he hasn't signed. But this person expressed to me that Aaron Rodgers simply is keeping this as close to the vest as any decision he has. And this is not nearly something about the public perception, but also in decision-making situations. As this person put it, Aaron doesn't even have a circle at this point. It is just Aaron Rodgers when it comes to this decision.

"I warn you, don't assume that that meeting means that Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers is an imminent situation. I believe this sweepstakes is alive and well when it comes to Rodgers and potential suitors."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers spent six hours meeting with the Steelers coaches on Friday and it "was said to be a positive visit." Schefter noted that Rodgers and Pittsburgh will stay in touch.

Based on Fowler's report, it seems Rodgers' visit to the Steelers facility might not have moved the needle as much as the team hoped it would.

As Pittsburgh continues to persuade the veteran quarterback to suit up in black and gold, another team is reportedly still in the mix as well. Fowler reported on Sunday that the New York Giants "have not given up on Aaron Rodgers even though they signed Jameis Winston," but "it looks like the Steelers are in pole position to potentially get this done."

The Giants signed Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal on Friday, giving the team at least one somewhat reliable option in case it doesn't land Rodgers or another quarterback.

At this point, it seems Rodgers has three options: sign with the Steelers, sign with the Giants or retire. Rodgers' top choice this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings, are not pursuing him, and other teams haven't shown much interest either.

The Athletic's Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis reported earlier this month that if Rodgers didn't land in Minnesota, he could opt to hang up his cleats. Whether he's changed his mind is unclear.

With Rodgers seemingly not close to signing with a team, one thing that could impact his decision-making process is the NFL draft. The Giants have the No. 3 pick and if they can draft a top quarterback, they might end their pursuit of Rodgers and leave him with Pittsburgh as his only option.

Rodgers, who threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last year, isn't the same player he once was but seems to have some football left in him. Whether he'll be back on the field in 2025 remains to be seen, as does the team he'll be playing for.