PITTSBURGH — There's no way I was alone in picturing Aaron Rodgers walking along the Monongahela River, towel slung over his shoulders, perhaps a mile or so from the spot on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail where media members camped out for a few hours Friday.

Come on, admit it. There's no shame here.

You've seen all 4,000 or so fake photos floating around social media and probably felt a twinge of reality with recent news that the quarterback met with Steelers brass for six hours at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, gauging a potential fit more so than discussing contract terms.

At this point, I expect this story to end with Rodgers coming to Pittsburgh, and there's one gigantic reason why: Mike Tomlin.

Obviously, the most powerful man in the organization wants this.

There aren't many other reasons to explain why the Steelers would tolerate Rodgers' prodigious pontification other than the idea that this has become Tomlin's baby, the NFL's longest-tenured head coach joining forces with another Hall of Fame quarterback he has long respected and admired.

I like the way Josina Anderson, formerly of ESPN and now with The Exhibit Platform, described the Rodgers-Tomlin dynamic a few days back.

"Tomlin was very adamant about getting DK Metcalf from what I hear." Anderson wrote on X. "Clearly he's still at the table over his dice on Rodgers, now he has to bring it home."

Perhaps that was speculation on Anderson's part, but I doubt it. The Steelers could easily just leave the casino if Tomlin grew tired of waiting or didn't think he could win with Rodgers.

Obviously, Tomlin feels differently.

But is it right?

No clue, honestly. But I'm cracking my knuckles and clearing my throat at the thought of finding out, as this could easily go either way.

I certainly understand those who consider Rodgers washed. He's thrown 23 interceptions his past two full seasons with a 90.7 passer rating (2024 Joe Flacco: 90.5). That's hardly elite.

However, I can take a sober look (for now) at the Steelers' situation and admit Rodgers might be the best option to throw a bunch of passes to DK Metcalf, George Pickens and others.

I just don't know if the Steelers' ultimate ceiling — still probably 10 or 11 wins — justifies spending T.J. Watt-level money to do it.

And that's where this becomes really fascinating.

Rodgers didn't arrive in Pittsburgh to talk about his contract. The framework of that was apparently devised several weeks ago. This was more about meeting people face-to-face; learning about team culture and potential usage; and the first ballot Hall of Famer probably seeing if he can envision himself playing here.

Again, to repeat: I'd be very surprised if he couldn't see it.

If Rodgers wants to play, the Steelers are far better positioned than the New York Giants. His wideouts are better. The defense is better. Pretty simple stuff.

One fascinating wrinkle involves offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, although I'd imagine any attempt at curtailing Rodgers' editorial control at the line of scrimmage won't go well. The Aaron Rodgers Experience doesn't offer half-day passes.

But Rodgers has also long had an immense appreciation for the Steelers, their legacy and what they represent — and that couldn't have been overlooked during Friday's visit.

Honestly, if I were Tomlin, I might've had Mel Blount or Ben Roethlisberger swing by the facility to greet Rodgers and remind him of those feelings.

Bottom line, you can disagree with the move and prefer Mason Rudolph. I get it.

You can also dislike or disapprove of Tomlin the football coach, the de facto defensive coordinator, the clock manager, the challenge-flag thrower, the minimal risk-taker and all of that. Not saying any of it is wrong or unfair criticism at this point.

But I wouldn't overlook or underestimate Tomlin the salesman.

This is the guy who became the darling of "Hard Knocks." It's the same dude who makes the rounds at college pro days, who received the only positive grade (an "A") on the recent NFLPA survey and has long garnered the respect of players around the league, including Rodgers.

Tomlin could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves, which is why I wouldn't be shocked if Rodgers returned to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal, potentially for less money than has been reported.

Rodgers for $40 million never made sense to me. Still doesn't. But if we're talking about only a portion of that, the Steelers could do worse. (So long as Rodgers knows he'd have to sign something before the first game.)

Most of all, it's a match made in heaven, two NFL giants who lately can be linked by their playoff shortcomings — Rodgers 7-9 since Super Bowl XLV, Tomlin dropping six straight and going 3-9 in the playoffs since the start of the 2011 season.

Rodgers and Tomlin have plenty to prove.

There's also desire (or at least curiosity) on both ends, Rodgers arriving here to investigate for himself, Tomlin and others reportedly skipping Michigan's pro day to chat with the enigmatic signal-caller and the Steelers affording the four-time NFL MVP this much time to think.

I'd be really surprised if the conclusion wasn't a Rodgers-Tomlin union and a storyline that should be nothing short of fascinating.

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