Steelers legend Jerome Bettis dives into Aaron Rodgers waiting game, team's NFL Draft needs

Bettis defends Rodgers delay amid Steelers draft priorities

Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis expressed understanding for players frustrated by Aaron Rodgers' unsigned status but argued the four-time MVP deserves latitude given the team's limited quarterback options. The Steelers signed the then-41-year-old Rodgers last season to address years of mediocre quarterback play and reached the playoffs under Mike Tomlin, who again posted a winning record. Rodgers, however, remains a free agent and is playing a waiting game similar to last year.

Bettis highlighted the lack of alternatives at quarterback. "When you have no alternative, then you have no choice," he told Fox News Digital. "And I think there's some players that are afforded a little bit more latitude than others, and Aaron Rodgers is one of them, especially when you are limited from a quarterback perspective, in terms of depth and experience, right?"

He viewed the delay positively for the backup quarterback. "There is an opportunity for our number two guy to get a lot of reps, a lot of opportunity, right? So there's some positives to this, because you're letting the young guys get an opportunity to run the offense and kind of learn the offense as they go," Bettis said. Players seek continuity, he acknowledged, but added that experience with Rodgers shows his value as a team player who fits the culture.

The Steelers have maintained steady quarterback play over two decades, Bettis noted, but other areas have weakened, including the running game and receivers. Ahead of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month, he is partnering with The Athletic's draft guide "The Beast" to meet fans and discuss priorities such as bolstering receivers, the offensive line, running back and defense before addressing quarterback depth. "They gotta do some things before you get to the quarterback, because right now, the other pieces aren't good enough," Bettis said.