Washington declines

if that's what it takes to sign Rust......you can have him.

I personally can't see Rust not being signed by Pittsburg...I think Penguins GM mentioned he was one of their top priories. I get he's being injured and in and out of COVID protocol probably most of the year, but when he's healthy, he's hot.

Rust turns 30 soon, there's a very good chance he's a bottom 6 player within 2 years. This team wouldn't make the playoffs.

Whoever signs Rust is going to regret it unless he takes a significant discount , like 5 mill x 3.

it's not the issue of the quality of the player. It's the contract length. Not signing a role player to 34+.
You are looking at a 3 year deal on him. On top of it, the penguins are already long in the tooth as far as some of their players. The goal for their team has consistently been "get younger"
They have done that, all around the edges of the team, so when you see the edges get older.......you know what's going to get sent out.