The uncertainty is over; the Pittsburgh Steelers are signing Aaron Rodgers to a 1-year deal ahead of next week’s mandatory minicamp. With Pittsburgh signing the four-time MVP, it assures the Steelers will have a Super Bowl-winning quarterback under center for the second straight season. Is this a good signing, and how did we arrive at this point?
Offseason Uncertainty
The past offseason was one marked by many unanswered questions for the Steelers. What will they do at quarterback? Will coach Tomlin suffer his first losing season? Could they sign Rodgers? With all those questions, we at least know they will have someone with Super Bowl-winning experience at the helm. Next season, Rodgers will be the fifth different quarterback to start for the Steelers in the season opener.
Rodgers’ Last Season?
With this being Rodgers’ 21st season in the NFL, this may very well be his last. He has had an illustrious career, from winning four MVPs to leading his team to a Super Bowl victory. With all his accomplishments, the only question mark on his career is the consistent post-season success. In Pittsburgh, he may not be as good as he once was, but he will have a chance to have one more “hoo-rah” moment at age 41.
Expectations for the Steelers?
Before his arrival in Pittsburgh, I was in the mindset that this team would win 8-9 games, make the playoffs as a wildcard, and be a one-and-done team in the playoffs. Now, with the addition of Rodgers, I expect them to compete for the AFC North again and be a dangerous team come post-season time. Since 2022, Rodgers has thrown 54 touchdown passes, including one pass attempt in 2023, while the Steelers as a team have thrown 46 touchdown passes, which is the fewest in the NFL during that timeframe.
Final Thoughts
As a Steelers fan, I am very hopeful. Pittsburgh traded for DK Metcalf, then traded away George Pickens, and is now in the market for another offensive playmaker to pair with Metcalf. It would have been interesting to see what an offense with Rodgers, DK, and GP would have looked like. Now, I am excited to see what next season looks like with a Hall of Fame player like Rodgers. Who knows, maybe he can turn back the clock and lead us to a Super Bowl, making up for the one he beat us for back in 2011, haha.
