Aaron Rodgers, despite not being selected in the NFL Draft's first round, remains a pivotal figure in team strategies as several teams, including the Saints and Steelers, consider him a potential quarterback option. The Saints, having not selected a quarterback at their ninth pick, emerge as a contender for Rodgers, especially following Derek Carr's injury. Similarly, the Steelers, by passing on Shedeur Sanders, might pursue Rodgers as their quarterback solution, given the absence of a rookie with a strong starting chance. Reports suggest Rodgers was expected to decide on joining the Steelers but no definitive information has emerged, leaving multiple team openings still available for him. As the spotlight remains on Rodgers, the urgency for a decision grows, with teams like the Steelers needing to address their quarterback situation to remain competitive in the AFC North.

Aaron Rodgers was not picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, yet he remains a significant figure due to the strategic decisions of teams like the Saints and Steelers, which could benefit from acquiring him as their quarterback.

The Saints, by not selecting a quarterback at their ninth pick, could consider Rodgers following Derek Carr's injury, positioning them as a dark horse in the race for his signing.

The Steelers opted against drafting Shedeur Sanders at the 21st pick, hinting at their interest in potentially acquiring Rodgers, given their need for a strong quarterback presence.

There were expectations that Rodgers would decide on joining the Steelers, but the lack of confirmation from major insiders leaves his future team decision uncertain and open.

Despite the draft proceedings, Rodgers continues to be a focal point, with his decision becoming critical as teams like the Steelers face pressure to maintain competitiveness in the AFC North without having secured a reliable starting quarterback.

Rodgers' potential move is amplified by the Steelers' previous offseason choices, such as letting go of quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, which heightens the need for an impactful quarterback solution.

The ongoing attention and speculation around Rodgers underscore his influence and the premium placed on his next career decision, which is anticipated to significantly impact the NFL team dynamics.

Aaron Rodgers wasn't one of the 32 names called during Thursday night's NFL Draft first round.

But just how he likes it, Rodgers was at the front of mind anyway.

A number of the first-round picks had direct impacts on what comes next for Rodgers. At least that's how it felt.

The Saints not choosing a QB at No. 9 keeps them as a darkhorse to get Rodgers in free agency after Derek Carr's injury.

The Steelers passing on Shedeur Sanders at No. 21 is another obvious case of a team hoping it can wind up with Rodgers instead.

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Reports emerged early Friday morning that Rodgers was supposed to give the Steelers a decision already, but the big insiders haven't joined in on that reporting, so it's not certain that's accurate.

Regardless, Rodgers has led the Steelers on for a month. Soon enough, he's going to have to make a decision to go somewhere or he's going to be out of luck.

Luckily for him, there are still multiple openings. If the Steelers had drafted Sanders, maybe they would've avoided the enigma that is Rodgers.

But with seemingly no incoming rookie QB with a legit chance to start (Pittsburgh doesn't pick again until the third round), Rodgers is unquestionably the best solution ahead of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.

"Pittsburgh let Russell Wilson and Justin Fields go this offseason and the franchise still has to keep pace in the AFC North," Bill Bender writes. "Will Rodgers be the answer for Mike Tomlin, after all?"

That's the question we're all waiting to learn the answer to, and Rodgers might just have one soon.

First, he'll likely bask in how much attention he got even on a night he was totally uninvolved with. It's not a bad time to be Rodgers.

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