The talk around Pittsburgh is that the Steelers offered 4-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers a rare UFA tender on Tuesday because the Denver Broncos may actually be a threat to poach the 42-year-old NFL legend. Denver released a Bo Nix delayed ankle injury recovery timeline after a "clean-up" procedure that breathes life into the rumors earlier this offseason of Sean Payton having eyes on Rodgers.
Per 97.3 The Fan's Andrew Fillipponi, "Conspiracy theory: Bo Nix injury and recovery is worse than originally feared. Now the Steelers are worried Aaron Rodgers might weigh an offer from the Broncos. Thus the tender offer yesterday to protect themselves in the event he leaves them high and dry."
Fillipponi's conspiracy theory doesn't sound far-fetched. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio first spoke of a Broncos-Rodgers union on April Fool's Day, which was a curious time to post that. Many doubted the validity, but now, Florio looks like he was on target.
Broncos 'all in' on Bo Nix, but if he's injured, Aaron Rodgers signing is possible
Rodgers not signing with the Steelers yet, who just hired Mike McCarthy, the very coach Rodgers had a strained relationship with on the Green Bay Packers, feels notable now. Especially combined with Florio's April 1 rumor.
If Nix isn't ready for the start of the season, and Payton turns to Rodgers as Denver's starter, it's unclear what the former Auburn Tigers and Oregon Ducks star's future in the Mile High City looks like. Nix and Payton have already had public spats during games and this offseason over the QB's injury.
Jarrett Stidham's days on the Broncos are most definitely numbered if this rumor is anything close to true. Sam Ehlinger was signed this offseason and it's highly unlikely Payton carries three decent-sized QB contracts on the books, since Rodgers won't come free.
The NFL offseason has not slowed down in intrigue this year. We'll see how Rodgers' future intertwines with Nix's, and if the Broncos transform as a franchise because of it.
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