Report: Steelers May Have Controversial Move Planned As They Are 'Eyeballing' Aaron Rodgers
Report: Steelers May Have Controversial Move Planned As They Are 'Eyeballing' Aaron Rodgers
Blog Article
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the few teams across the NFL who do not currently have a set-in-stone starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Many believe the Steelers will be re-signing either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields to be the team's starting quarterback moving forward, but there are also some external options. Aaron Rodgers was notified of his release by the New York Jets, and the veteran quarterback seems to want to continue his playing career. Pittsburgh could be the next stop in his career, although that would not be a favorable move.
Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play professionally, but the last couple seasons have not been pretty for the veteran. He tore his Achilles in his first game suiting up for the Jets in 2023, and he then returned in 2024 but did not play like himself. He has certainly lost a step, but could still be a viable option as a starting quarterback for some team in the NFL. Pittsburgh seems to want to move forward with Fields, but the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal. NFL insider Benjamin Allbright joined a space on X that was hosted by the JetCastPod, where he was asked questions about the quarterback situation by fans.
"Pittsburgh has got low-ball offers out to Russ and to Justin.” Allbright said. “I don’t think Russ is going to be back there, Justin is a maybe. The Steelers are kind of eye-balling Rodgers with the negotiations and the talks with the Giants, seeing if they can sneak in there after that if it doesn’t work. The Steelers have several irons in the fire.”
The New York Giants seem to be the favorites to land Rodgers for the 2025 season, as the two sides have been talking. The Giants are also in a good spot to draft a quarterback, and there has even been some murmurs of them trading up to the number one overall pick. Allbright believes Pittsburgh is watching the situation between Rodgers and the Giants very closely, and if things fall through the Steelers can insert themselves into the conversation.
It is important to note that Allbright's primary responsibility is covering the Denver Broncos, but he is very plugged in throughout the league. He has been in front of reports before, and that could be the case once again.
Rodgers is nowhere near the player he once was, and signing Rodgers as the starter for the 2025 season would certainly ignite the fan base in Pittsburgh. He is not much of an upgrade over Wilson, as both quarterbacks struggle with their mobility as they are two of the oldest players at the position. It is safe to say that Fields is the fan-favorite, but there is a serious chance that the two sides can't come to an agreement on a new contract. If that happens, Rodgers could be next in line to be the starter.
The fact the Steelers have a low-ball offer submitted to Fields shows that the organization is not all that serious about making him the starter in 2025. It seems like a no-brainer to bring him back to Pittsburgh, as he still has limitless potential and brings a whole other layer to the offense when he is on the field.
The best teams in the league have quarterbacks that can use their legs to extend plays and make things happen, and Rodgers and Wilson cannot provide that. Fields is a cheaper option, and although he hasn't been an elite starter in his career, he is still the best option for Pittsburgh to be threat in the AFC.