The Pittsburgh Steelers have been kept in quarterback limbo as they wait for a decision from Aaron Rodgers on where he will sign during the 2025 NFL season. Rodgers' options have become limited, and signing with Pittsburgh seems increasingly likely. There have been many vocal critics of Rodgers as he takes his time to make up his mind. A recurring criticism of the quarterback that stretches throughout his entire career is Rodgers' ego and the drama he brings to the team culture. Some argue that having Rodgers on the team would only create distractions, and it's another reason the Steelers shouldn't pursue him. One NFL insider disagrees and thinks that the Steelers are more than ready to handle Rodgers, and that the quarterback will flourish in Pittsburgh.
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Aaron Rodgers about to throw a pass.
Insider Jordan Schultz went on NFL on FOX's YouTube channel Tuesday to discuss how the Steelers are approaching the Rodgers situation. Schultz said that the organization isn't worried about Rodgers starting drama, and that they could get him to produce results regardless.
"One of the arguments that is being made internally there, Mike Tomlin had Ben Roethlisberger, who was not dissimilar from Aaron Rodgers in terms of big ego, Hall of Famer, there's going to be some other stuff, but he's going to produce," said Schultz.
Schultz drew parallels between Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger. In his tenure with the Steelers, Roethlisberger stirred up controversy, but always delivered for the team as a signal-caller. Schultz believes, and apparently many in the Steelers' organization agree, that comments made off the field by the quarterback won't get in the way of Pittsburgh producing results during games.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger against the Ravens.
Rodgers has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. The quarterback regularly appears on The Pat McAfee Show to talk all things football. Last season, Rodgers also publicly criticized wide receiver Mike Williams' route running and Williams' time with the New York Jets; a move that irked the receiver.
Roethlisberger had a similar incident in which he blamed Antonio Brown after throwing an interception that cost the Steelers a game several years back. Roethlisberger later regretted calling out Brown, saying it ruined their friendship.
Finger pointing can get in the way of a team's chemistry, and in the case of Roethlisberger and Brown -- breakdown the camaraderie of the team. Drama will inevitably creep in with any team, but having a player who will create even more, should be avoided. If Schultz's assessment is accurate, the Steelers would be uniquely equipped to handle a quarterback like Rodgers.
Steelers And Rodgers Could Be A Match Made In Heaven
Aside from the drama Rodgers may start, how will he mesh with the rest of the Steelers' offense? Rodgers has had an underwhelming last two years, bad enough that many fans aren't excited to see him as the quarterback in Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers have seriously bulked up their offense in free agency, and key additions like DK Metcalf and Kenneth Gainwell, may be the tools Rodgers needs to have a great season.
"Now, Rodgers, he did not produce last year at the level we're used to seeing or we're accustomed to him performing at," said Schultz. Obviously, the year before, he has the Achilles. But the argument is, 'If we bring in Aaron Rodgers, this organization, this coach is stable enough and has the experience to handle it.'"
Whatever trouble Rodgers would bring to Pittsburgh, the Steelers have seen it. Although the Steelers weren't Rodgers' first choice, they are now his best option, whether he likes it or not. Pittsburgh also has had experience with big personalities outside of its quarterbacks.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin embraces with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
Metcalf and George Pickens are famously both fiery personalities, and should Pickens stay with the Steelers for the last year of his contract, it could be one of the most explosive wide receiver rooms in more ways than one.
Do you think Rodgers will sign with Pittsburgh? Do you think that drama off the field is a problem for teams? Let us know in the comments.
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