Steelers Set To Face Harsh Reality Check If Aaron Rodgers Does Indeed Sign In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently face a chaotic quarterback situation, with no clear starter on the roster. This has caused a lot of media attention throughout the offseason, as everyone weighs in on what they think the Steelers should do. However, it's no secret that the Steelers are favorites to land veteran free agent Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, with an impressive resume.

One of the voices weighing in on the quarterback discussion is Matt Bowen, a former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst. In a recent article, Bowen shared what he believes are the ideal landing spots for several current free agents, and he listed the Steelers as the best landing spot for Rodgers. However, despite naming the Steelers as the best fit, Bowen expressed skepticism about Rodgers’ ability to continue performing at an elite level, raising questions about whether the veteran quarterback still has what it takes.

"But with diminished mobility and declining pocket poise, Rodgers can't consistently extend or create on second-reaction plays. He's a pocket thrower at this stage of his career, and Smith's game plan should reflect that," Bowen wrote.

Rodgers is currently 41 years old, making him the oldest active player in the NFL, an important thing in a physically demanding league. While his age alone naturally raises questions about his long-term durability and performance, there are additional concerns tied to his recent injury history. Most notably, during the very first drive of the 2023 NFL season, as well as his highly anticipated debut with the New York Jets, Rodgers suffered an Achilles tendon injury. This injury sidelined him for the entire season and cast doubt on his ability to return to his top form.

There are several additional reasons why some people remain hesitant or concerned about the idea of Rodgers joining the Steelers as well. According to multiple reports, the Steelers have already extended a formal offer to Rodgers and are currently in a waiting game, just simply waiting for his decision. This prolonged waiting period has only intensified the anxiety for fans. For many people, it feels like this situation has dragged on for ages, ever since the initial rumors of Rodgers potentially coming to Pittsburgh first began to surface. 

Throughout this ongoing situation, numerous rumors have circulated about various deadlines supposedly given to Rodgers, yet many of those dates have come and gone without any action, leading people to question whether any firm deadlines were ever truly in place. The most recent rumored deadline is the beginning of mandatory offseason activities, which are set to start soon. While these team events are considered highly important, especially for building chemistry and preparing for the season, Rodgers’ past behavior suggests he may not be influenced by them.

Rodgers has a history of skipping mandatory offseason programs, especially in the later stages of his career. While younger players and new players typically attend these activities to build chemistry and gain familiarity with the team, Rodgers has often chosen to train independently during this time. His absence from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps has occasionally raised concerns from many people, particularly when joining a new team or working with a fresh group of receivers. For example, during his time with the Jets, Rodgers missed parts of the offseason programs, which some people thought it contributed to early chemistry issues before his injury.

Steelers Receiver Is Already Building Chemistry With Rodgers

Despite the ongoing silence from Rodgers regarding his decision and the growing concerns about whether he can still compete at an elite level, there are signs that he’s not quite done yet. One encouraging development is the chemistry he appears to be building with one of the Steelers' newest and biggest acquisitions this offseason, wide receiver DK Metcalf. The two were spotted on the field together, casually tossing the football around in what seemed to be more than just a friendly workout. Their interaction not only caught the attention of fans, but also sent a clear message to the media, Rodgers still has something left in the tank.

Where are your thoughts now with the whole Rodgers to Pittsburgh saga? Comment below!

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