Mike McCarthy is officially in. Aaron Rodgers is still undecided. And the Pittsburgh Steelers are walking a tightrope in between.
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Rooney said the decision to hire McCarthy was not dependent on Rodgers' future, noting the organization will revisit the quarterback situation in the coming weeks. The door is open, but it is not guaranteed to stay that way, as written by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
At the same time, Rooney revealed McCarthy is intrigued by younger options in the room, particularly 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard. McCarthy reportedly sees upside there, while also believing Mason Rudolph can contribute. Translation: Pittsburgh is preparing for multiple paths.
That matters because Rodgers tends to read between every line. Rooney's public framing could easily be interpreted as uncertainty about whether another year with Rodgers makes sense. And history suggests Rodgers may not be eager for a reunion with McCarthy, given their strained ending in Green Bay.
The Steelers likely prefer Rodgers to make the call himself, especially after the public fallout surrounding his Jets exit. If he wants back in, the team will evaluate it. If not, Pittsburgh pivots.
Either way, the pressure is building. Steelers fans have reacted skeptically to the McCarthy hire, and his introductory press conference this week will be closely watched.
So will Rodgers.
