In the wake of the Vikings saying no to Aaron Rodgers, his choices are being framed like this: Sign with the Giants or Steelers — or retire. But it’s not that simple. Because really, Rodgers has a fourth choice: Don’t sign with the Giants or Steelers, don’t retire — and just keep waiting. Rodgers ideally wants to play for the Vikings. If he takes this fourth option and continues to wait, does that mean the Vikings will come around him? No. But they might. Still, don’t bet on it. Here what it definitely does mean: Rodgers keeping himself available — instead of signing with the Giants or Steelers (or retiring) — would perhaps let him jump at a job if a legit contender’s starting quarterback gets hurt during, say, spring practices or training camp. Obviously, it’s not a sure thing for that to happen. So there’s a risk with this approach. It might leave Rodgers waiting, hoping for a shot and still winding up empty-handed, as his 42nd birthday gets ever closer. (Yes, Rodgers played reasonably well last year, amid a train wreck of a Jets season. But clearly, he doesn’t have a lot of NFL seasons left in him. So from that perspective, signing with the Giants or Steelers now — and taking what he can get, instead of waiting — would make some sense.) Let’s assume Rodgers wants to continue playing. The Vikings would’ve been (and maybe still could be) an excellent landing spot for him. The Steelers, while not on the Vikings' level, are a solid but not spectacular team — certainly better than the Giants, who are neither solid nor spectacular. (Rodgers would be foolish to sign with them.) If Rodgers keeps waiting, it’s possible a better option than the Steelers opens up, even if the Vikings continue to not want him. For now, Rodgers supposedly is in no rush to make a decision, even as the Steelers are reportedly optimistic about their chances of beating out the Giants for his services. But it’s worth remembering that Rodgers isn’t facing a three-pronged decision. Because that fourth option is intriguing, too. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com.