Aaron Rodgers' comments on Wednesday's edition of The Pat McAfee Show sent a shockwave through the fan base. The Steelers haven't given him a deadline. He's taking his time with whether or not he wants to come back. What exactly does this mean for the Steelers?

First, there not being a deadline should come as no surprise. In addressing reporters last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Omar Khan was forthright about that. But, he was also clear about something else involving Rodgers.

"(There's) no deadline," Khan said in Indianapolis. All I'll tell you guys is I don't foresee this going like it did last year."

Last offseason, the Steelers were diligent in waiting on Rodgers, a situation wasn't resolved until mandatory minicamp in June. This year, there's the potential of signing free agents, including Malik Willis, which can start happening when free agency kicks off March 9. I've reported Willis is at least on the Steelers' radar. But, if he's out of their price range, which is very plausible, what are the remaining options? Kyler Murray? He's an even larger risk than Willis, even if he'd be cheap. Kirk Cousins? I had one source laugh at me when I brought him up.

The fact is there aren't many good options at quarterback this offseason. That's why quarterback development is so key to what the Steelers do. That's why you've heard so much talk about Will Howard, why the Steelers met with some of the more intriguing quarterbacks at the Combine. Rodgers doesn't get in the way of that. He'd sign a one-year contract. No strings attached. The real investment doesn't change, with or without Rodgers.