Steelers Target Aaron Rodgers Knows Jets Tenure Was An "Embarrassment"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently lacking major depth in the quarterback room. With Mason Rudolph currently listed as the team's starting quarterback in Week 1, the Steelers will potentially turn to free agency, where they continue to pursue four-time MVP, Aaron Rodgers, as he ponders a decision regarding his future. Rodgers, a 20-yearNFL veteran, spent the last two years with the New York Jets after being a member of the Green Bay Packers for 18 seasons. Although Rodgers is far past his prime, the future Hall Of Fame quarterback could still add some major firepower to an underwhelming Steelers offense.

Consisting of Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Will Howard, the Steelers' current quarterback room lacks major talent and has no true veteran presence. Howard, who was drafted with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round, continues to shine and show improvement throughout the off season. 

Howard may emerge as a legitimate starting option for head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff, as Howard is a five year college veteran that spent time at both Kansas State and Ohio State. The former Buckeye won a National Championship in his final season on the college level as well, as the rookie continues to fight his way towards a starting role. 

With Rodgers yet to make a decision and many people expressing their frustration and concerns regarding the Steelers quarterback situation, NFL analyst Ian O'Connor weighed in on Pittsburgh's predicament.

"I think it has a chance anyway to be a great marriage and a great place for him to finish his career." O'Connor stated. "Pittsburgh is actually the perfect place for him to finish his career. He needs to get back to being a football player. He fell in love with this game a really long time ago, and he entered the league really as a football player, as a football nut. He loves to study the game and talk it."

While Pittsburgh remains a top option for Rodgers, the former Jet has reportedly not ruled out retirement as well. If the desire to still play football remains strong in Rodgers, he will more than likely end up on a roster sooner rather than later. His previous two years in New York may play a major factor in his decision as well, as his time with the Jets was a complete failure and embarrassment for many. 

While mentioning his previous two seasons, O'Connor weighed in on how much of an affect Rodgers' time in New York may have on his future, and what the addition of a quarterback of his caliber may mean to Pittsburgh.

"He knows it was an embarrassment in New York largely, and he's the face of the embarrassment. Wether that's fair or not, that's the case." O'Connor claimed. "It may be me as an optimist, but I think this is gonna work out. Do I think the Steelers will win the Super Bowl next year? No. But if you told me at least 11-6 with at least one playoff victory, I think that's realistic."

Steelers' Depth Issues At Wide Receiver Are Looming Large

While the quarterback situation remains a major problem for the Steelers, the team finds themselves lacking depth at wide receiver as well. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers now have no true wide receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf. 

Metcalf, who was acquired by Pittsburgh in a trade earlier in the offseason with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to be a major contributor to the Steelers' offense in 2025. With the rest of the wide receiver room consisting of Robert Woods, Calvin Austin lll and Roman Wilson, the Steelers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency. 

With many big names still available, the Steelers may emerge as a legitimate candidate for Amari Cooper. Cooper, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last season, is an elite receiver that would fit in perfectly as Pittsburgh's wide receiver two behind Metcalf. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms, as Pittsburgh is expected to add veteran depth in the near future.

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