The Pittsburgh Steelers are still trying to resolve their quarterback issue after the organization lost out on both Justin Fields and Sam Darnold during the legal tampering period of free agency. The organization's current top option is Aaron Rodgers, with Russell Wilson likely falling in somewhere behind him. Rodgers is speaking with both the Steelers and the New York Giants, and the quarterback is deciding where to go next as the NFL world awaits his decision.
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Aaron Rodgers looks to throw during a home game with the New York Jets in 2024.
Rodgers had a rough couple of seasons with the New York Jets, and some believed the quarterback would retire after the 2024 season. He has made it clear he wants to continue playing, and he will likely be in either New York or Pittsburgh in 2025. The Steelers are the superior team and organization, but negotiations between the franchise and the veteran have not been going extremely well. Regardless of that, Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football believes the decision should be a no-brainer for Rodgers.
"If I'm Rodgers and I've got both these guys vying for me, I'm going to Pittsburgh," Brandt said. "I'm going to Pittsburgh. Why? Because the Giants to me, aside from the same stadium, the Giants feel like the Jets. We have a hungry coach who is likable and hasn't really gotten it done yet like we did last year, we got a very young, talented wide receiver like we did last year that everybody's talking about. I don't think there is much else there though. They haven't had their act together."
Brandt believes Rodgers would be making the same mistake by deciding to stay in New York. It is all the same. Two of the worst franchises in the NFL over the last decade, and the Giants don't seem to have any optimism moving forward outside of Malik Nabers. Head Coach Brian Daboll has had two consecutive unsuccessful seasons with New York after winning a playoff game his first year, but it is not a stable organization for Rodgers to end his career with.
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Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (right) shakes the hand of then-Green Bay Packers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers on the playing surface at then Heinz-Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers aren't all that either as of late, but the organization is more stable and consistent than New York. Pittsburgh has been searching for an answer at quarterback ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, and Rodgers might be able to provide the best play at the position since 2021. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, but Rodgers could be the quarterback to get that to change. Brandt continued to speak on why the veteran should choose Pittsburgh.
"I'm going to Pittsburgh, because obviously the weapons are impressive," Brandt said. "Also, it's like immediately, is TJ Watt the best defensive player Rodgers has played with since Charles Woodson? Probably. I think Mike Tomlin is so different than Robert Saleh or Brian Daboll, a guy who is so established. He has a Super Bowl ring, he would have another one if it were not for Rodgers. I think the Steelers fans more than anything crave different. Please break the mold."
The ceiling the Steelers would have with Rodgers is high, as the quarterback won the NFL's MVP Award as recently as 2021. He will probably play better than he did in New York due to the weapons Pittsburgh has and the consistency on the coaching staff. The expectations in Pittsburgh are also significantly different than in New York.
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Former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers throwing a ball in pregame warmups before an away game.
Steelers Could Land A High Draft Pick With Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers led the Jets to a 5-12 record during the 2024 season. This doesn't mean that will happen in Pittsburgh, but there is the possibility. Rodgers could take the offense to the next level, but he can also bottom out like he did in 2024 and struggle. Brandt spoke about this being beneficial for Pittsburgh.
"This thing. This Rodgers thing," Brandt continued. "Maybe it is Vikings-era [Brett] Favre. Maybe it is Broncos-era Peyton Manning. Maybe they do catch fire and change this thing, or, maybe they go 5-12, and that might not be the worst thing going into next year. For once you can actually have a decent draft pick. It's Pittsburgh 10 out of 10 times."
The veteran quarterback gives the Steelers a chance to succeed, while he also gives Pittsburgh a chance to finally be in a good spot when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around. A large portion of the fan base has been begging for a decent draft pick, as the long stretch of non-losing seasons has kept Pittsburgh picking in the late-teens and early 20s. A higher pick gives Pittsburgh a better chance of fixing their quarterback problem.
What do you think about Brandt's analysis? Let us know in the comments below!
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