PITTSBURGH -- As Aaron Rodgers asserted he " wasn't holding anyone hostage ," the Pittsburgh Steelers ' refrain of the spring was that they were going to conduct their offseason business independent of Rodgers' decision.

Yet neither's actions matched their words.

As Rodgers dealt with what he called "difficult stuff" for members of his inner circle, attended a Kentucky Derby party and hung out with friend and rapper Mike. at a couple of his concerts, the Steelers bypassed nearly every quarterback option before drafting Will Howard in the sixth round. They also opted to sign Mason Rudolph as their lone true veteran quarterback to join an inexperienced Skylar Thompson at the position.

Though one of coach Mike Tomlin's many creeds is wanting his players to be "volunteers, not h

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