Steelers' Alex Highsmith Says Aaron Rodgers Rumors Not a Distraction, Would Welcome QB

Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher Alex Highsmith would love to have Aaron Rodgers join the team despite the veteran quarterback's drawn-out decision-making process this offseason.

"We know who he is, he's a Hall of Fame quarterback," Highsmith told NFL Network on Thursday. "He's one of the best to ever do it. So I wouldn't say [the rumors of him potentially signing] are a distraction at all. We all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table, and no matter who is back their playing quarterback for us, we're going to rally around them."

Still, the Steelers surely would like to have some clarity soon, with mandatory veteran minicamp taking place on June 10-12. Earlier on Thursday, team president and owner Art Rooney II told reporters that the organization would wait "a little while longer" for Rodgers to come to a decision.

The situation may not be a distraction for the team's other players, but it can't drag out forever, either. At some point, the team's current options at the position—namely Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard—need to know if they'll be fighting for a starting position this season or simply operating as the backups.