The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves being held hostage by Aaron Rodgers, a position nobody wants to be in. Given the lack of options aside from him, though, they don’t have much choice. Although it’s not the ideal market, bringing in Rodgers could still improve the Steelers’ offense in 2025. Former Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson thinks Rodgers would be a good fit in Pittsburgh.
“That’s where all roads are leading, in my opinion,” Peterson said Wednesday on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I could see Aaron Rodgers teaming up with Mike Tomlin. The weapons he has on offense now, as far as pass-catchers, we all know what the defense is gonna bring. They just need a guy who’s not afraid to push the ball down the field. A guy who understands where the ball needs to go.”
For all of the Steelers’ offensive faults in 2024, which were glaring by the end of the season, they did at least attempt to push the ball down the field. Russell Wilson routinely receives praise for his ‘moon ball’. Aside from that, not much happened on offense, especially towards the end of the year. Still, it was something Pittsburgh aimed to do.
Aaron Rodgers still has an arm to get the ball down the field. However, he can help the passing game evolve even more, aside from that. Last year, the Steelers rarely attacked the middle of the field. Wilson would typically throw the ball deep, to the sideline, or check it down. With Rodgers, the offense could be much more layered. He’s been able to make every throw in the book throughout his career. Obviously, the 42-year-old version of Rodgers isn’t quite the same player. Still, his arm hasn’t shown many signs of regression just yet.
DK Metcalf is also a huge help. By trading for him, the Steelers have massively upgraded their depth at the position. Their third and fourth receivers, likely Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, could also have excellent years in 2025. If the Steelers can sustain a rushing attack next season, Rodgers would be able to work off of that with play-action often in Arthur Smith’s offense, and he’ll have weapons to get the ball to.
All things considered, the Steelers are in an unenviable position. You never want to find yourself depending on a quarterback over 40 with a significant injury in his rearview mirror. Yet, here they are. Going forward, if Rodgers does sign in Pittsburgh, there are signs of optimism.
