Steelers Reportedly 'Optimistic' Aaron Rodgers Signs Contract amid 'Assurance' Rumors

As the NFL world continues to wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about his future, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly still believe they will add the future Hall of Famer this offseason.

"I'm told from the Steelers they do remain optimistic, but nothing has changed from when Art Rooney, team president, addressed the media at the owners meetings on Tuesday that they feel good about this shaking out that Rodgers will be a Pittsburgh Steeler," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said during a Sunday appearance on SportsCenter.

"Have not gotten definitive word, but they're willing to wait 'a little while longer.' That has really been the case for a few weeks now but talking to people that have been involved in the quarterback market in the last couple of months, they believe that the Steelers must've gotten some sort of assurance at some point from Rodgers that he's going to sign eventually. So, we should see some movement between now and the draft, potentially.

"The Minnesota Vikings, is he waiting them out? That is sort of a lingering question out there but when I talk to people with the Vikings, this is all but dead for them essentially. Maybe if he's available later in the summer they would revisit but that just seems unlikely at this point. So, it's Steelers, retirement or bust."

Fowler's update comes after Rooney told reporters Tuesday the Steelers have received "positive signals" from Rodgers and are willing to wait "a little longer."

All Pittsburgh can really do at this point is practice patience, although it will have quite the issue at quarterback if Rodgers decides he doesn't want to join the AFC North team this offseason. After all, Russell Wilson (New York Giants) and Justin Fields (New York Jets) are no longer on the roster, which leaves the team with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.

Competing in a division that features Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson with either Rudolph or Thompson under center would be anything but ideal for the Steelers, even if they do have a strong defense and talented playmakers elsewhere.

Rodgers has worked out with one of those playmakers this offseason, as he had a throwing session with DK Metcalf after the Steelers traded for the wide receiver.

The ability to throw to both Metcalf and George Pickens is surely a draw for Rodgers as he decides whether he will join Pittsburgh. Opposing defenses won't be able to double team both of them while committing enough attention to stopping the run, which would create opportunities for the veteran signal-caller to exploit in the aerial attack.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last month that "Rodgers spent about six hours at the Steelers' training facility today, meeting with their coaches. It was said to be a positive visit, and the two sides will stay in touch."

Pittsburgh has made no secret about its desire to sign the 10-time Pro Bowler and would surely like to make it official before the NFL draft so it can alter its approach accordingly.

But it continues to wait along with the rest of the NFL world after many of the other key free-agency decisions have already been made.