If Aaron Rodgers is not present at the next mandatory minicamp of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin and the team’s front office should start considering other options, according to Dan Graziano. The insider points out that it’s very unlikely the quarterback will succeed if he only shows up by late July for training camp.
“I think the minicamp that’s coming up here in the second week of June is an important date to watch. I’m not saying that’s a drop dead deadline for the Steelers, but, if Aaron Rodgers is not at that minicamp, that means he doesn’t do any on field work with the Steelers until the end of July at the start of training camp. And that feels far fetched to me that a 41-year old, who didn’t play well last year, didn’t play at all the year before, jumps right in at the start of training camp, picks up a new offense and leads this team to that much more than Mason Rudolph could. I just feel that if he’s not there by that minicamp, they have to look at other options.”
The well-known minicamp Graziano is referring to takes place from June 10 to June 12. It’s a key moment for the former Super Bowl champion to start getting familiar with his teammates and Arthur Smith’s offensive playbook.
What happens if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t sign with Steelers?
If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t sign with the Steelers before that mandatory minicamp, the situation could easily drag on until the final days of July when training camp begins. Without a doubt, that would have to be the deadline, and even then, it would seem like a huge risk.
The only thing that could justify the situation, though it seems highly unlikely, is if Rodgers manages to do what Brett Favre did when he signed with the Vikings in 2009. Back then, the veteran joined Minnesota very late (August) but, in an incredible season, led them all the way to the NFC Championship Game.