If You're The Pittsburgh GM, Who Would You Rather Have As Steelers QB? - Rudolph or Rodgers? (2 Viewers)

[Chaka]

Ok the following is pure AI. Being a Steeler fan I don't know if I should be laughing or crying here.

Oh, absolutely Aaron Rodgers has mastered the fine art of strategic relaxation. Why rush into signing with a team when he can spend the offseason doing what truly matters deep-diving into conspiracy theories on the Joe Rogan podcast and perfecting his vacation tan?

Let’s be real: Rodgers isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a philosopher, a wellness guru, and possibly a part-time UFO researcher. While other players are grinding through OTAs, he’s out there debating the mysteries of the universe, sipping on some organic ayahuasca tea, and contemplating the true meaning of existence which, let’s be honest, is probably just throwing a football really well.

And when the season is just around the corner? That’s when he’ll grace the NFL with his presence. No need for all that pesky offseason conditioning he’s been training in the hyperbaric chamber of enlightenment. He’ll sign just in time to remind everyone that he’s still got it, then proceed to throw laser-precise touchdowns while casually dropping references to quantum physics in post-game interviews.

So yes, Rodgers deserves his sabbatical. He’s earned the right to live his best life, whether that means hiking Machu Picchu, debating nanobots with Rogan, or manifesting his next MVP season through sheer willpower. And when he finally signs? The league will act surprised like they didn’t know this was his annual tradition.

Because Aaron Rodgers doesn’t follow the rules. He transcends them.

Laughing. Definitely laughing.


I have to know what your query was that generated such an awesome answer.

 

[menobrown]

Also same odds as 2020 SB losing SF.

#toosoon

Ha, point I was trying to make is they exceeded expectations.

 

[sm8680]

Ok the following is pure AI. Being a Steeler fan I don't know if I should be laughing or crying here.

Oh, absolutely Aaron Rodgers has mastered the fine art of strategic relaxation. Why rush into signing with a team when he can spend the offseason doing what truly matters deep-diving into conspiracy theories on the Joe Rogan podcast and perfecting his vacation tan?

Let’s be real: Rodgers isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a philosopher, a wellness guru, and possibly a part-time UFO researcher. While other players are grinding through OTAs, he’s out there debating the mysteries of the universe, sipping on some organic ayahuasca tea, and contemplating the true meaning of existence which, let’s be honest, is probably just throwing a football really well.

And when the season is just around the corner? That’s when he’ll grace the NFL with his presence. No need for all that pesky offseason conditioning he’s been training in the hyperbaric chamber of enlightenment. He’ll sign just in time to remind everyone that he’s still got it, then proceed to throw laser-precise touchdowns while casually dropping references to quantum physics in post-game interviews.

So yes, Rodgers deserves his sabbatical. He’s earned the right to live his best life, whether that means hiking Machu Picchu, debating nanobots with Rogan, or manifesting his next MVP season through sheer willpower. And when he finally signs? The league will act surprised like they didn’t know this was his annual tradition.

Because Aaron Rodgers doesn’t follow the rules. He transcends them.

Laughing. Definitely laughing.


I have to know what your query was that generated such an awesome answer.

Chaka I should have saved it. It started out with please write me up something funny, sarcastic, light hearting poking fun at Aarron Rodgers. Please don't mention the woman he's dated, utilize sabbaticals, Joe Rogan, vacations anything over the top and feel free to mine for land mines of laughs.

Something along those lines.

 

[Chaka]

I'm not sure I'm ready to say the Ravens are clearly better on defense

Sorry, I was referrring to the Dilfer-led 2000

Oh ok, that Ravens D was for sure better but not sure the offense was but it all worked. Complimentary football.

Fwiw I looked up preseason SB odds that year and the Ravens were tied for third.

The Steelers right now on some sites have the same odds as the 2017 SB winning Eagles which is probably the last time a team with this poor odds won the whole thing. Also same odds as 2020 SB losing SF.

Again I’m not sitting here trying to make a case for them as some kind of favorites. Long shots for sure. Just not as dismissive as almost everyone else it’s a foregone conclusion if they catch some breaks they can’t contend.

I 100% believe they can contend. I just question if Rodgers is really the missing piece in that equation. IMO, he probably isn't. That belief increases with each day he doesn't sign.

I think they contend on a lot of pieces coming together. Broderick Jones, Fautanu & Frazier are going to be pivotal. Please spare me suggestions that 2nd or 3rd year players are complete busts. Its two firsts and a second, the talent is there. These guys, IMO will have the largest impact, good or bad, on team success in 2025.

Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren will have a massive impact on their success.

And, in Pittsburgh it's always all about the defense. In 2008 they had the #1 scoring and yardage defense. In 2005 it was #3 & #4.

TJ, Minkah & Heyward are, to varying degrees, getting long in the tooth but they're all game changers, if Harmon is the player I think he is this could still be a championship caliber defense.

The Steelers can contend, I just don't think Rodgers is the missing piece.

 

[smbkrypt24]

Even with Rudolph as the current starter they are hovering in Vegas lines as around the 16th best odds to win the SB. We’ll

That’s pretty remarkable.

One note about Vegas lines - from what I’ve come to understand, sometimes they’re not so much a statement about how good or bad they believe a team will be, but more an an attempt at enticement to get people to bet something one way or another.

Or hey, maybe they think the Steelers with Rudolph has a similar chance as Dilfer with the Ravens. Only problem I have there is IMO this Steelers team (with or without ARod) isn’t as good as that Ravens team on either side of the ball. Closer on defense, but still not at that level. And it’s TBD if they can run like that 2000 Ravens team with a rookie RB & Warren.

I’m thinking it’s likely the former.

I am curious as to what happens to that line if/when ARod signs.

This is something I learned this year as well. Vegas is not trying to be predictive. They want to entice the bet and also adjust line based on liability.
Sure towards the end the best odds team for future bets have the best odds, but that’s due to their liability at that point.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Even with Rudolph as the current starter they are hovering in Vegas lines as around the 16th best odds to win the SB. We’ll

That’s pretty remarkable.

One note about Vegas lines - from what I’ve come to understand, sometimes they’re not so much a statement about how good or bad they believe a team will be, but more an an attempt at enticement to get people to bet something one way or another.

Or hey, maybe they think the Steelers with Rudolph has a similar chance as Dilfer with the Ravens. Only problem I have there is IMO this Steelers team (with or without ARod) isn’t as good as that Ravens team on either side of the ball. Closer on defense, but still not at that level. And it’s TBD if they can run like that 2000 Ravens team with a rookie RB & Warren.

I’m thinking it’s likely the former.

I am curious as to what happens to that line if/when ARod signs.

This is something I learned this year as well. Vegas is not trying to be predictive. They want to entice the bet and also adjust line based on liability.
Sure towards the end the best odds team for future bets have the best odds, but that’s due to their liability at that point.

Bingo. Line movement often means too much $ is coming in on one side and they want to entice it to the other.

They’re trying to win, not make a statement.

And yet sports writers/bloggers/analysts just can’t help pointing to odds as a means of suggesting it’s predictive to team futures. You see it constantly these days.

 

[menobrown]

I 100% believe they can contend. I just question if Rodgers is really the missing piece in that equation. IMO, he probably isn't. That belief increases with each day he doesn't sign.

I don't think you'll find many people who are very steadfast that Rodgers is the missing piece.

My main contention is he at least gives you a much better punches chance of being that guy then Rudolph.

You started by saying you disagreed with my post that a vote for Rudolph is a vote for tanking. I can't see anyone who really believes that Rudolph gives you a better shot at contending or winning more games so again I stand by what I said that a vote for Rudolph is akin to voting to lose more games. Unless some of these people actually think Rudolph can still be developed into the starting QB of the future, and god help them if so, that's tanking to me. Willfully choosing to go with an inferior player to lose more games and give yourself less of a shot to win games and/or contend.

 

[menobrown]

Even with Rudolph as the current starter they are hovering in Vegas lines as around the 16th best odds to win the SB. We’ll

That’s pretty remarkable.

One note about Vegas lines - from what I’ve come to understand, sometimes they’re not so much a statement about how good or bad they believe a team will be, but more an an attempt at enticement to get people to bet something one way or another.

Or hey, maybe they think the Steelers with Rudolph has a similar chance as Dilfer with the Ravens. Only problem I have there is IMO this Steelers team (with or without ARod) isn’t as good as that Ravens team on either side of the ball. Closer on defense, but still not at that level. And it’s TBD if they can run like that 2000 Ravens team with a rookie RB & Warren.

I’m thinking it’s likely the former.

I am curious as to what happens to that line if/when ARod signs.

This is something I learned this year as well. Vegas is not trying to be predictive. They want to entice the bet and also adjust line based on liability.
Sure towards the end the best odds team for future bets have the best odds, but that’s due to their liability at that point.

Bingo. Line movement often means too much $ is coming in on one side and they want to entice it to the other.

They’re trying to win, not make a statement.

And yet sports writers/bloggers/analysts just can’t help pointing to odds as a means of suggesting it’s predictive to team futures. You see it constantly these days.

I will just add I introduced the odds here even though I understand how Vegas arrives at them but I simply did not know another means of having a discussion about where the Steelers stand as a contender other then "I think....so and so".

Just was one of the few ways I knew to be able to pinpoint where they rank.


FWIW ESPN put out a power index last week. Steelers were 17th, about the same as Vegas odds.

 

[Chaka]

I 100% believe they can contend. I just question if Rodgers is really the missing piece in that equation. IMO, he probably isn't. That belief increases with each day he doesn't sign.

I don't think you'll find many people who are very steadfast that Rodgers is the missing piece.

My main contention is he at least gives you a much better punches chance of being that guy then Rudolph.

You started by saying you disagreed with my post that a vote for Rudolph is a vote for tanking. I can't see anyone who really believes that Rudolph gives you a better shot at contending or winning more games so again I stand by what I said that a vote for Rudolph is akin to voting to lose more games. Unless some of these people actually think Rudolph can still be developed into the starting QB of the future, and god help them if so, that's tanking to me. Willfully choosing to go with an inferior player to lose more games and give yourself less of a shot to win games and/or contend.

It's difficult to argue Rudolph>Rodgers. The experience alone has tremendous value that Rudolph will never match. I said above that had Rodgers been all in from the beginning of the offense season I would have a very different opinion, mirroring yours.

My stance is very much based upon intangibles but, in this scenario, I believe in them.

I think his absence is causing harm that compounds with every missed OTA. And I think him showing up for the start of TC doesn't add more value than simply rolling with Rudolph.

Rodgers can't simply conjure the 2021, or earlier, version of himself. What he can conjure may be better than Rudolph empirically but, maybe not. I think there is even money that he is more Cap Rooney in this scenario than anything. Too bad Rudolph isn't Willie Beamon, but he still may be a better option than Rodgers even on a non-tanking scenario.

And I think there is a legitimate possibility that Rodgers will have lost the locker room if he shows up only for TC. The public platitudes will be there initially of course but, when they hit a rough patch we'll see if the locker room remembers who was there on June 2nd and who wasn't.

Your position has far more on field history supporting it. I'm leaning into the stuff we can't know until we know. As they say, you have the high ground. But, I'm holding my position.

 

[brewer]

I 100% believe they can contend. I just question if Rodgers is really the missing piece in that equation. IMO, he probably isn't. That belief increases with each day he doesn't sign.

I don't think you'll find many people who are very steadfast that Rodgers is the missing piece.

My main contention is he at least gives you a much better punches chance of being that guy then Rudolph.

You started by saying you disagreed with my post that a vote for Rudolph is a vote for tanking. I can't see anyone who really believes that Rudolph gives you a better shot at contending or winning more games so again I stand by what I said that a vote for Rudolph is akin to voting to lose more games. Unless some of these people actually think Rudolph can still be developed into the starting QB of the future, and god help them if so, that's tanking to me. Willfully choosing to go with an inferior player to lose more games and give yourself less of a shot to win games and/or contend.

Teams go with less talented options all of the time at every position. There is the salary which has not yet been discussed or disclosed and there is the media circus that would come with Rodgers.

Also, this particular thread only gave 2 options. Many of us have been saying we would choose door #3 and go get a different QB. So choosing Rudolph in this thread but saying go get Cousins is tanking?

If I truly believe that Rogers wins 1, maybe 2 more games than Rudolph but they don't win a playoff game either way, and if his salary is going to be 40M, is that tanking? Or should the team instead make their franchise linebacker happy this year?

I just don't think any of this is black and white, it's all shades of grey.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Darius Slay & Cam Heyward have both commented about how important "want to" is at this time of year.

Thanks. Do you have the link for that?

They were very public comments. I read them both on PFT.

Heyward's comments were early in the off-season and, he tried to walk them back a bit. They were essentially saying you either want to be a Steeler or you don't. Slay's were much more recent and we're all about how now is the time when championship teams are made.

I'm pretty sure you saw both if not... you do realize this is your fantasy football website, not your barbecue website, right?

Barbecue?

I see lots of things and 100% of the time, I think it's best to include links when talking about news items here. Especially quotes. As everyone can be certain we're talking about the same quote or news story.

Links for reference are one thing that makes online discussion so good.

In a time when conversations can easily get off track, referring back to the actual link is huge help for good discussion. Thanks.

 

[Joe Bryant]

But to your bigger point, I fully understand @Chaka if you don't think he can make a difference over Rudolph or another QB on the roster, then for sure I'd see why you wouldn't want to sign him.

For me and, apparently to highly respected and accomplished guys like Slay & Heyward, it's all about commitment. From the outside I simply don't see Rodgers having it. I think he's really focusing on his post football career but, he may be lying to himself about it.

If he had signed with the Steelers before the off season program began I would absolutely have a different opinion. But, at this point I think he is fooling himself into believing he can just flip a switch and become Aaron Rodgers circa 2021. That's ancient history in scope of NFL careers.

For a team like the Steelers, IMO, he's not worth the headache, even after they structured their entire off-season around him. For a team locked into the playoffs who suffers an injury at QB he should be on speed dial.

Absolutely. If you don't think he'd make a differnece, I totally see why you wouldn't want Rodgers there. No argument.

We just disagree on if he could make a difference. All good.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Ok the following is pure AI. Being a Steeler fan I don't know if I should be laughing or crying here.

Oh, absolutely Aaron Rodgers has mastered the fine art of strategic relaxation. Why rush into signing with a team when he can spend the offseason doing what truly matters deep-diving into conspiracy theories on the Joe Rogan podcast and perfecting his vacation tan?

Let’s be real: Rodgers isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a philosopher, a wellness guru, and possibly a part-time UFO researcher. While other players are grinding through OTAs, he’s out there debating the mysteries of the universe, sipping on some organic ayahuasca tea, and contemplating the true meaning of existence which, let’s be honest, is probably just throwing a football really well.

And when the season is just around the corner? That’s when he’ll grace the NFL with his presence. No need for all that pesky offseason conditioning he’s been training in the hyperbaric chamber of enlightenment. He’ll sign just in time to remind everyone that he’s still got it, then proceed to throw laser-precise touchdowns while casually dropping references to quantum physics in post-game interviews.

So yes, Rodgers deserves his sabbatical. He’s earned the right to live his best life, whether that means hiking Machu Picchu, debating nanobots with Rogan, or manifesting his next MVP season through sheer willpower. And when he finally signs? The league will act surprised like they didn’t know this was his annual tradition.

Because Aaron Rodgers doesn’t follow the rules. He transcends them.

What prompt did you enter to generate that?

 

[steelcityman]

But to your bigger point, I fully understand @Chaka if you don't think he can make a difference over Rudolph or another QB on the roster, then for sure I'd see why you wouldn't want to sign him.

For me and, apparently to highly respected and accomplished guys like Slay & Heyward, it's all about commitment. From the outside I simply don't see Rodgers having it. I think he's really focusing on his post football career but, he may be lying to himself about it.

If he had signed with the Steelers before the off season program began I would absolutely have a different opinion. But, at this point I think he is fooling himself into believing he can just flip a switch and become Aaron Rodgers circa 2021. That's ancient history in scope of NFL careers.

For a team like the Steelers, IMO, he's not worth the headache, even after they structured their entire off-season around him. For a team locked into the playoffs who suffers an injury at QB he should be on speed dial.

Absolutely. If you don't think he'd make a differnece, I totally see why you wouldn't want Rodgers there. No argument.

We just disagree on if he could make a difference. All good.

He can make a difference, but could be good or bad, and if good, how much, instead of 8-9 with Rudolph, do the Steelers go 12-5 with Rodgers? Win a division? Win a playoff game? Is 10-7 and first rd blowout to Buff or KC juice really worth the squeeze?

 

[menobrown]

If I truly believe that Rogers wins 1, maybe 2 more games than Rudolph but they don't win a playoff game either way, and his salary is going to be 40M, is that tanking?

I don’t think this is a realistic way of thinking.

And his salary is not going to be sniffing $40m.

 

[Joe Bryant]

But to your bigger point, I fully understand @Chaka if you don't think he can make a difference over Rudolph or another QB on the roster, then for sure I'd see why you wouldn't want to sign him.

For me and, apparently to highly respected and accomplished guys like Slay & Heyward, it's all about commitment. From the outside I simply don't see Rodgers having it. I think he's really focusing on his post football career but, he may be lying to himself about it.

If he had signed with the Steelers before the off season program began I would absolutely have a different opinion. But, at this point I think he is fooling himself into believing he can just flip a switch and become Aaron Rodgers circa 2021. That's ancient history in scope of NFL careers.

For a team like the Steelers, IMO, he's not worth the headache, even after they structured their entire off-season around him. For a team locked into the playoffs who suffers an injury at QB he should be on speed dial.

Absolutely. If you don't think he'd make a differnece, I totally see why you wouldn't want Rodgers there. No argument.

We just disagree on if he could make a difference. All good.

He can make a difference, but could be good or bad, and if good, how much, instead of 8-9 with Rudolph, do the Steelers go 12-5 with Rodgers? Win a division? Win a playoff game? Is 10-7 and first rd blowout to Buff or KC juice really worth the squeeze?

And that's the real question for the Steelers to answer.

 

[brewer]

If I truly believe that Rogers wins 1, maybe 2 more games than Rudolph but they don't win a playoff game either way, and his salary is going to be 40M, is that tanking?

I don’t think this is a realistic way of thinking.

And his salary is not going to be sniffing $40m.

The Jets over/under coming into last year was 9.5. They won 5 games. Rodgers was their QB.

The last season Rodgers played for the Packers, they were 8-9.

He's now 41 years old and doesn't seem super eager to work with a new OC on an offense that he is not entirely familiar with.

Why is it not realistic to suggest that this version of Aaron Rogers is nowhere near the QB he used to be?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Why is it not realistic to suggest that this version of Aaron Rogers is nowhere near the QB he used to be?

It's totally realistic to suggest that. Not only that, I'd say that's the majority opinion here.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If I truly believe that Rogers wins 1, maybe 2 more games than Rudolph but they don't win a playoff game either way, and his salary is going to be 40M, is that tanking?

I don’t think this is a realistic way of thinking.

And his salary is not going to be sniffing $40m.

The Jets over/under coming into last year was 9.5. They won 5 games. Rodgers was their QB.

The last season Rodgers played for the Packers, they were 8-9.

He's now 41 years old and doesn't seem super eager to work with a new OC on an offense that he is not entirely familiar with.

Why is it not realistic to suggest that this version of Aaron Rogers is nowhere near the QB he used to be?

Suggesting he isnt the QB he used to be is absolutely a realistic, logical take. Regardless of his ultimate 2025 salary.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I honestly think that Kirk Cousins is the best option for them for the short term if they can get him relatively cheaply from the Falcons. Not interested in giving up too much draft capital or eating too much of his contract, but of the guys who are "available" I think he's the best fit.

I'm also hoping against real odds that Will Howard can ball.

 

[steelcityman]

I honestly think that Kirk Cousins is the best option for them for the short term if they can get him relatively cheaply from the Falcons. Not interested in giving up too much draft capital or eating too much of his contract, but of the guys who are "available" I think he's the best fit.

I'm also hoping against real odds that Will Howard can ball.

Either ATL eats a lot of the contract, or ATL send picks along with Cousins to any team in a trade.
Rudolph is no answer, I also hope Howard can be, but might not know this year, Tomlin wont play him unless its an emergency.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Suggesting he isnt the QB he used to be is absolutely a realistic, logical take.

Absolutely.

I don't think anyone is suggesting a 41 year old QB can turn back the clock to when he won back to back MVP's in 2020 and 2021. And certainly not to 2011 and 2014 where he was also MVP. One of only two players to ever win 4 MVPs.

If he was the MVP level he used to be from 2021, he wouldn't be unemployed right now.

So it seems a given he's not 2021 MVP level.

The question is how much he's fallen?

A major injury certainly hurts. And 3 seasons have passed since his last MVP.

We know what he was in 2020 and 2021. Where he is now is the question the Steelers (and any other team) has to determine.

 

[menobrown]

If I truly believe that Rogers wins 1, maybe 2 more games than Rudolph but they don't win a playoff game either way, and his salary is going to be 40M, is that tanking?

I don’t think this is a realistic way of thinking.

And his salary is not going to be sniffing $40m.

The Jets over/under coming into last year was 9.5. They won 5 games. Rodgers was their QB.

The last season Rodgers played for the Packers, they were 8-9.

He's now 41 years old and doesn't seem super eager to work with a new OC on an offense that he is not entirely familiar with.

Why is it not realistic to suggest that this version of Aaron Rogers is nowhere near the QB he used to be?

I don't think it's realistic to assume or plan that having Rodgers as your QB only nets 1-2 extra wins and has no shot of winning a playoff game.

For instance I don't think the Steelers FO and coaching is sitting around thinking this way.....because it's not realistic mode of thinkings/team constrcution.

What's realistic is trying to put the best team you can together.

Rodgers went 6-9-1 a season in GB and won 13 games 3 straight seasons after. Joe Montana joined a Chiefs team that had one playoff win in the previous 14 seasons and took them to the AFC game his first season. Tom Brady joined a 7-9 team and won a SB in year one. I'm sure the fans and players of those teams are sure glad whoever runs/ran things for them don't operate with such a defeatist attitude and actually tried to put the best team together thye could.

There is not one single time I have said anything about Rodgers being the QB he was but Rudolph will never be as good as this version of Rodgers.

 

[Joe Bryant]

There is not one single time I have said anything about Rodgers being the QB he was but Rudolph will never be as good as this version of Rodgers.

That's my thought as well.

I am confused by the idea that Rodgers isn't as good as he was in 2021, so he should not be the guy.

That's not the question.

I don't think anyone thinks he's at the 2021 MVP level.

The question is whether the 2025 version of Aaron Rodgers is the best option for the Steelers?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

..

The question is whether the 2025 version of Aaron Rodgers is the best option for the Steelers?

Actually no, the question was literally "If You're The Pittsburgh GM, Who Would You Rather Have As Steelers QB? - Rudolph or Rodgers?"

It's right there in the poll at the top.

You limited it to a binary seemingly because you wanted to validate your own opinion - if you actually wanted to know "whether the 2025 version of Aaron Rodgers is the best option for the Steelers?" you would have at the very least provided a 3rd option of "someone else, specify in comments" - yet when other possible QBs were mentioned, you were very quick to quash those opinions, and point out that the choice was *only* between ARod and Rudolph.

 

[Joe Bryant]

The original question for this thread was, who would you rather have if you're the Steelers GM, Mason Rudolph or Aaron Rodgers?

That's the poll.

My point was the fact that Rodgers is not his 2021 MVP self is not relevant to the question.

It can also be a bigger question for folks of who is the best feasible option for the Steelers. Many have brought up other options in the thread as it developed like Cousins. Howard would get some consideration I'm sure.

 

[Joe Bryant]

You limited it to a binary seemingly because you wanted to validate your own opinion

That's an odd flex. Please don't try to assume you think you know what I want here.

Accusing people of bad faith and only asking a question to validate an opinion is lame. Don't do it if you want to post here.

There's no validating anything. I asked for the same reason I always a question - to see what the folks here think.

 

[Chaka]

Rudolph will never be as good as this version of Rodgers.

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

One area I am willing to concede Rodgers is almost certainly superior is interceptions. Rodgers ability to avoid INTs is legendary (I'll add; potentially to the point of sacrificing wins). I am 100% certain Tomlin has that fact #1 in the Strengths field of his Aaron Rodgers S.W.O.T. chart.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

 

[menobrown]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

All I can add to this is the following.

We got opinions here and we got what real NFL teams who generally speaking know more then us think.

Mason Rudolph is pretty much earning HALF of the salary of the going rate for BACKUP QB's. If not for the Steelers a legit chance he'd be on the street right now or making even less. So to say his contract is not relative to what the Steelers think of him, it's relative to what the whole league thinks of him.

I wish I could cite for people or provide links for what I'm about to say but I listen and read a lot of people who worked in the league as scouts or GM's and I can't possibly locate that info to share so I'll just ask you to trust me a little. I've not heard one of them yet say that Rodgers is not the best path for the Steelers to compete now.

A massive point of contention among a lot of Steeler fans is that they let Fields walk. I've heard more of these people who worked in the NFL criticize the Jets giving Fields that contract then any criticism of the Steelers pursuit of Rodgers. The main criticism I've seen any of them level on the Steelers is they let Rodgers control the situation, and put themselves in limbo and might get stuck with......Rudolph. He's basically the nuclear option and it blows my mind that people think that's a viable plan.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

We got opinions here and we got what real NFL teams who generally speaking know more then us think.

Mason Rudolph is pretty much earning HALF of the salary of the going rate for BACKUP QB's. If not for the Steelers a legit chance he'd be on the street right now or making even less. So to say his contract is not relative to what the Steelers think of him, it's relative to what the whole league thinks of him.

While that’s true, it’s also a bit odd to draw the conclusion that “most people would prefer Rudolph”, when many of those who voted Rudolph specifically posted to say that they preferred Cousins, one of the rookies, or other possible QB, (including Fields) — but voted for Rudolph because there were only 2 poll options.

As such, I don’t think it’s true that the poll proves most folks want Rudolph, only that most folks don’t want Rodgers.

Whether that’s a smart preference is TBD, and I’m sure we’ll find soon enough, out as it seems to be widely assumed that Rodgers will be a Steeler at some point.

 

[C & C]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

I believe those who prefer Rudolph fit into 2 camps (and some fit into both)...
-- Those who want nothing to do with the baggage Rodgers brings with him.
-- Those who would prefer the Steelers to pick as high as possible in the 2026 draft to hopefully be able to draft a legit QB for the future.

And these opinions muddy the water on who would you rather have. It seems your question implies "who would you rather have for the Steelers to have the most success in 2025?" So some people are answering for 2025, and some for the future.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I believe those who prefer Rudolph fit into 2 camps (and some fit into both)...
-- Those who want nothing to do with the baggage Rodgers brings with him.
-- Those who would prefer the Steelers to pick as high as possible in the 2026 draft to hopefully be able to draft a legit QB for the future.

And the elusive 3rd camp, “those who believe the best option for the Steelers would be a QB not named Rodgers or Rudolph”.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

I believe those who prefer Rudolph fit into 2 camps (and some fit into both)...
-- Those who want nothing to do with the baggage Rodgers brings with him.
-- Those who would prefer the Steelers to pick as high as possible in the 2026 draft to hopefully be able to draft a legit QB for the future.

And these opinions muddy the water on who would you rather have. It seems your question implies "who would you rather have for the Steelers to have the most success in 2025?" So some people are answering for 2025, and some for the future.

Thanks. I think that's a fair way to characterize those.

For my question, I'm not implying anything. It's up to the person to use their own filter on who they'd rather have between Rodgers and Rudolph. I am only asking the question.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

All I can add to this is the following.

We got opinions here and we got what real NFL teams who generally speaking know more then us think.

Mason Rudolph is pretty much earning HALF of the salary of the going rate for BACKUP QB's. If not for the Steelers a legit chance he'd be on the street right now or making even less. So to say his contract is not relative to what the Steelers think of him, it's relative to what the whole league thinks of him.

I wish I could cite for people or provide links for what I'm about to say but I listen and read a lot of people who worked in the league as scouts or GM's and I can't possibly locate that info to share so I'll just ask you to trust me a little. I've not heard one of them yet say that Rodgers is not the best path for the Steelers to compete now.

A massive point of contention among a lot of Steeler fans is that they let Fields walk. I've heard more of these people who worked in the NFL criticize the Jets giving Fields that contract then any criticism of the Steelers pursuit of Rodgers. The main criticism I've seen any of them level on the Steelers is they let Rodgers control the situation, and put themselves in limbo and might get stuck with......Rudolph. He's basically the nuclear option and it blows my mind that people think that's a viable plan.

Agreed. That's how I see it too.

One of the useful takeaways for me is how many folks here prefer Rudolph. I, like you, see it as the nuclear option and think it would be terrible. But I'm always interested when lots of people have a different opinion than I do and that's why I like threads like this.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And agreed @menobrown - letting Fields go was an interesting move.

It seems clear from when they benched him in favor of Wilson while Fields was still winning that they'd lost faith. And for a bit, Tomlin looked super smart. Clearly the Jets don't feel the same. How he fares in NY will be one of the more interesting things to watch this season.

 

[C & C]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

I believe those who prefer Rudolph fit into 2 camps (and some fit into both)...
-- Those who want nothing to do with the baggage Rodgers brings with him.
-- Those who would prefer the Steelers to pick as high as possible in the 2026 draft to hopefully be able to draft a legit QB for the future.

And these opinions muddy the water on who would you rather have. It seems your question implies "who would you rather have for the Steelers to have the most success in 2025?" So some people are answering for 2025, and some for the future.

Thanks. I think that's a fair way to characterize those.

For my question, I'm not implying anything. It's up to the person to use their own filter on who they'd rather have between Rodgers and Rudolph. I am only asking the question.

Really? Cause you said this earlier...
"The question is whether the 2025 version of Aaron Rodgers is the best option for the Steelers?"

Not trying to pick a fight or anything at all.

The additional item is what is the point of Rodgers, even if he is better? The Steelers will not win a title in 2025 no matter the QB. So you wins 2-5 more games, maybe win a playoff game. But all that does is lessen the chance for a QB in the 2026 draft.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

I believe those who prefer Rudolph fit into 2 camps (and some fit into both)...
-- Those who want nothing to do with the baggage Rodgers brings with him.
-- Those who would prefer the Steelers to pick as high as possible in the 2026 draft to hopefully be able to draft a legit QB for the future.

And these opinions muddy the water on who would you rather have. It seems your question implies "who would you rather have for the Steelers to have the most success in 2025?" So some people are answering for 2025, and some for the future.

Thanks. I think that's a fair way to characterize those.

For my question, I'm not implying anything. It's up to the person to use their own filter on who they'd rather have between Rodgers and Rudolph. I am only asking the question.

Really? Cause you said this earlier...
"The question is whether the 2025 version of Aaron Rodgers is the best option for the Steelers?"

Not trying to pick a fight or anything at all.

The additional item is what is the point of Rodgers, even if he is better? The Steelers will not win a title in 2025 no matter the QB. So you wins 2-5 more games, maybe win a playoff game. But all that does is lessen the chance for a QB in the 2026 draft.

Yes. Sorry for not being clear. My original question and the poll I asked was if the best option was Rodgers or Rudolph. Those were the options in the poll.

Over the course of 4 pages, people suggested other players like Cousins or Howard.

I saw lots of folks talking about how Rodgers wasn't the player he used to be. And thought that was interesting as I don't think that has anything to do with it for today. It's about who Rodgers is today.

But yes, I should have stayed on track and said, "The question is whether 2025 version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph?". Apologies for getting off track.

 

[sm8680]

Joe, I’m not trying to get banned, but I have to be brutally honest here the choices aren’t exactly inspiring. The way this is set up, people are essentially locked into just two options: Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph, with a vague sliding scale of hesitation.

Realistically, Skylar should have been included as an option for those who don’t support the Steelers and actually want to see them lose think division rivals. Plus, the rookie deserved a spot too.

Honestly, when I first read this, it felt like someone was asking for my opinion on a dish they just threw together.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Joe, I’m not trying to get banned, but I have to be brutally honest here the choices aren’t exactly inspiring. The way this is set up, people are essentially locked into just two options: Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph, with a vague sliding scale of hesitation.

Realistically, Skylar should have been included as an option for those who don’t support the Steelers and actually want to see them lose think division rivals. Plus, the rookie deserved a spot too.

Honestly, when I first read this, it felt like someone was asking for my opinion on a dish they just threw together.

Banned? Right now, it feels like the Steelers would be looking at Mason Rudolph if they don't get Rodgers.

Some folks said they'd prefer Rudolph so I made a poll to see how the forum felt if they had to choose between the two. I set up a poll with different levels of support for the two as I think that helps with degree. I didn't take the time to have the same levels for a 3rd player. Or a 4th player.

Lots of people voted and we had good discussion.

But as with all polls, if the thread isn't inspiring, there's no requirement to vote or even read. I pass over lots of stuff that I'm not interested in.

Anyone on the forum can make a poll just like I did. If folks think a poll with more options would be interesting, that would be great. I'm sure that would be interesting if someone wanted to set up a new poll with lots more options.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Interesting to see the odds on Steelers QB back in February.

New QB Rises as Favorite to Be Steelers Starter in 2025

It seems like every day a new quarterback is linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford have

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Joe Bryant]

Current odds. And I have no idea how accurate these odds are.

Pittsburgh Steelers Starting QB Odds 2025: Odds of Steelers’ Week 1 Starter for 2025 NFL Season

Will Aaron Rodgers find his way to Pittsburgh in time to start Week 1?

www.pennstakes.com

Currently showing:

42.5% for Rudolph +135
36.4% for Rodgers +175
5.4% for Howard and Thompson +1750

Thus my choices for the poll.

 

[sm8680]

Joe thanks for taking that so well. I might of been in envy that such a poll could get 4 pages. But then it's Aaron Rodgers and the Steeler so that's bound to get posts. I actually voted on the fence.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Joe thanks for taking that so well. I might of been in envy that such a poll could get 4 pages. But then it's Aaron Rodgers and the Steeler so that's bound to get posts. I actually voted on the fence.

Thanks GB. Yes, no doubt Rodgers topics generate interest.

 

[Anarchy99]

Part of the issue here (I think) is that the poll seems to have these two options . . . Rodgers . . . or not Rodgers. I think some people are voting AGAINST Rodgers, not FOR Rudolph.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Part of the issue here (I think) is that the poll seems to have these two options . . . Rodgers . . . or not Rodgers. I think some people are voting AGAINST Rodgers, not FOR Rudolph.

It definitely has two options. Rodgers or Rudolph.

Those seemed to be the most likely possibilities when I created the poll. Odds seemed to confirm that.

Like lots of A/B choices, it often does come down to voting against one more than the other. But you still have to make a choice. (If you choose to participate)

 

[massraider]

Rodgers by a mile. Can he win a title with them? Probably not, but maybe. He could win 10 games for them, i could see it.

I think there is a lot of people talking past each other. There's 'Is Rodgers the best option for PIT?' question, which is clouded by 'Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl with Rodgers?' question.

Just because Rodgers probably cannot lead the team to another ring does NOT mean he isn't their best option. And just because people think the Steelers should blow everything up for a top draft pick, doesn't mean getting to the playoffs with Rodgers is a waste of a season. I don't think tanking a good team, which PIT certainly is, is a viable, realistic strategy. This isn't the NBA

 

[Joe Bryant]

Rodgers by a mile. Can he win a title with them? Probably not, but maybe. He could win 10 games for them, i could see it.

I think there is a lot of people talking past each other. There's 'Is Rodgers the best option for PIT?' question, which is clouded by 'Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl with Rodgers?' question.

Just because Rodgers probably cannot lead the team to another ring does NOT mean he isn't their best option. And just because people think the Steelers should blow everything up for a top draft pick, doesn't mean getting to the playoffs with Rodgers is a waste of a season. I don't think tanking a good team, which PIT certainly is, is a viable, realistic strategy. This isn't the NBA

Agreed. I'm guilty too of the "talking past". One of the challenges of a forum. I should listen (read) more and type less.

 

[belljr]

I'd rather tj watt QB then Rodgers

 

[Chaka]

This is clearly the point of contention. I no longer see it as obvious that this version of Rodgers is better than Rudolph.

Maybe a year removed from the Achilles is a bigger factor than I am giving credit for.

Thanks. I think you're exactly right in that's the point of contention. As the poll results show, lots of people would prefer Rudolph. That's useful information and makes for good discussion. Thanks.

All I can add to this is the following.

We got opinions here and we got what real NFL teams who generally speaking know more then us think.

Mason Rudolph is pretty much earning HALF of the salary of the going rate for BACKUP QB's. If not for the Steelers a legit chance he'd be on the street right now or making even less. So to say his contract is not relative to what the Steelers think of him, it's relative to what the whole league thinks of him.

I wish I could cite for people or provide links for what I'm about to say but I listen and read a lot of people who worked in the league as scouts or GM's and I can't possibly locate that info to share so I'll just ask you to trust me a little. I've not heard one of them yet say that Rodgers is not the best path for the Steelers to compete now.

A massive point of contention among a lot of Steeler fans is that they let Fields walk. I've heard more of these people who worked in the NFL criticize the Jets giving Fields that contract then any criticism of the Steelers pursuit of Rodgers. The main criticism I've seen any of them level on the Steelers is they let Rodgers control the situation, and put themselves in limbo and might get stuck with......Rudolph. He's basically the nuclear option and it blows my mind that people think that's a viable plan.

You don't need to convince me to trust you, sans links. I'm a fan.

Are any of these GMs from the eight(ish) teams who changed, or explored changing QBs this off-season? The Jets needed a QB as badly as anyone and they took Pittsburgh's discards. So did the Giants. Seattle, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Tennessee, Indy, New Orleans we're all exploring their options at QB this off-season. Pittsburgh is the only one that was ever linked to Rodgers. I guess we can add Minnesota to that list even if suspect those reports were coming exclusively from Rodgers's camp.

FTR I don't believe Rudolph is a great option as a starting QB. Much of my opinion about Rodgers is predicated on my belief he isn't going to show up until TC. I hope I have been clear about that.

I said above, if Rodgers shows up tomorrow I give his a +2 win edge over Rudolph. I also said that maybe I am underestimating the additional year he has removed from his Achilles. So, maybe he brings +3 wins if he shows up very soon.

If he does I will very openly change my stance in here.

If he shows up only for TC, I stand by Rudolph being the better, non-tanking option.