ESPN analyst offers damning Aaron Rodgers verdict to Steelers - 'Shell of that'
The NFL world is awaiting the expected signing of Aaron Rodgers to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 NFL season, but the AFC North franchise have been warned about the 41-year-old joining
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been warned that signing Aaron Rodgers does not necessarily guarantee a four-time MVP-calibre player playing quarterback.
Last season, Rodgers and the New York Jets went 5-12 as he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, along with 11 interceptions. The Jets decided to move on, signing former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields in free agency.
Rodgers reportedly wants to play for a contender in 2025, and the Steelers made the postseason last year before falling in the first round again. It seems to be the perfect fit, yet the signing has been delayed for one reason or another - including a sick close friend.
Rodgers has been linked with joining the Steelers for some time, with some fans getting tired of waiting for the four-time MVP to sign on. NFL analysts are also getting tired of the hype and anticipation, particularly given this is a different iteration of Rodgers.
On Monday’s “Get Up” on ESPN, Dan Graziano warned against the Steelers - or any franchise - signing Rodgers. He said: “Everyone wants to talk about Aaron Rodgers going to the Steelers, and that's their hope.
“This is not MVP Aaron Rodgers. This is not 2020 Aaron Rodgers. This is a shell of that.
“He was a bad quarterback in the NFL last season. He was not markedly better last season than Mason Rudolph was for the Tennessee Titans when he played.”
He added: “I think Aaron Rodgers is fine if he shows up and I think the Steelers are probably fine if he doesn’t.”
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Graziano’s take is not particularly wide of the mark, given that the Rodgers who suited up in Jets green was clearly not the Packers superstar who tormented the NFC for the better part of two decades. In fairness, the 41-year-old was coming off a torn Achilles.
Rodgers is expected to sign with the Steelers, but the 41-year-old is an unpredictable figure. He has sent several differing signals and recently teased a move to Pittsburgh.
When asked if he would ever consider playing for the Chicago Bears, Rodgers said: “No, but I believe there's a team that might play in Chicago this year. On a road trip. I don't know. Not sure.”
The Steelers play the Bears at Soldier Field in Week 12. Rodgers also shut down the chances of signing with the New Orleans Saints, who could be in the market for a quarterback following Derek Carr’s sudden retirement.
Without a playoff win since 2016, the Steelers currently have just Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster after allowing Fields and Russell Wilson to depart in free agency to the Jets and New York Giants respectively. Rodgers would boost the options head coach Mike Tomlin has at his disposal as he bids to stave off growing pressure.