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With a one-year, $30 million contract reportedly sitting on the table for the Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers have projected quiet confidence that the four-time MVP quarterback will them in The Steel City.
But behind the scenes, contingency planning has begun and it's not exactly reassuring for Steelers fans. If Rodgers doesn't sign, the fallback might be Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Rodgers' indecision is already hurting Pittsburgh
Rodgers has offered breadcrumbs about his intentions, suggesting Pittsburgh is his preferred destination. But so far, no action has followed those hints. And now, as NFL Network's Rich Eisen pointed out, the delay could have serious ramifications for the team's front office.
"If you feel [Rodgers is] just going to leave you at the altar, well, what that does is it puts you over a barrel in a negotiation to get somebody like Kirk Cousins," Eisen explained, according to Steelers Depot. "The minute you lift the phone and call Terry Fontenot and ask, 'What about Kirk Cousins,' he knows you're concerned about Rodgers not showing up. So, you're over a barrel already."
That statement hits hard-and for good reason. Cousins is no discount quarterback, and with Pittsburgh's interest tied directly to Rodgers' indecision, Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot would have the upper hand in any trade discussions.
That puts the Steelers in a weak negotiating position, possibly overpaying in both draft capital and cap flexibility if Rodgers bails at the eleventh hour.
Rodgers has insisted he's not holding anyone hostage. But as Eisen alluded, that's not really true. By waiting, by staying silent, and by leaving Pittsburgh hanging, Rodgers is controlling the situation in a way that affects the entire team's offseason strategy.
"If he doesn't pull the trigger on the move to Pittsburgh ... at whatever preferred date anyone chooses to pinpoint? The Steelers will be calling Falcons GM Fontenot, and they will be doing it with a shortage of leverage," Eisen said.
The delay also has ripple effects beyond the front office. Inside the Steelers locker room, questions have already been raised-even if players have tried to minimize the drama publicly. Trust in a quarterback is critical, and uncertainty about who's leading the offense only undercuts team cohesion heading into a pivotal season.