funny - another member thought my 9.5 wins was too close to call.
Waldman is right at the number I chose above.
Maybe I should be working in Vegas.
What are those numbers with Rudolph starting?
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QB Aaron Rodgers, Free Agent (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter Raider Nation
- Start date
What are those numbers with Rudolph starting?
Chaka
Footballguy
Rodgers starts the first 12 games before succumbing to a soft tissue injury, finishing with a 6-6 record. Rodgers publicly blames @Hot Sauce Guy claiming that his hot sauce was so addictive and spicy it led to multiple "Randy Marsh like toilet experiences" (that's a direct future quote) resulting in the 6-6 record and his soft tissue injury.
Mason Rudolf comes in and goes 4-1 leading the Steelers to a playoff berth and an upset of their first round opponent before falling in the divisional round.
The Steelers feel bolstered by Rudolph's performance and he becomes the unquestioned starter going into 2026 leading them to a 6-11 record and the Steelers retool at QB in 2027.
Rodgers loses a 2026 primary bid in California's 12th district. He claims he lost because a defective hemorrhoid pillow, which he needed as a result of the injury caused by @Hot Sauce Guy, which lead to a poor performance in his debate.
#flagplanted
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
Grid71
Footballguy
Under for all, hope I’m wrong.
Big questions at both tackle positions. The line is very young and needs time to gel as a unit.
Broderick Jones protecting Rodgers blind side moves to left tackle after struggling at right tackle last 2 years.
Troy Fautanu @ RT after missing his entire rookie season. Many consider him a premium guard vs Steelers drafted as an under sized tackle.
It’s a concern for any QB to stay healthy for 16+ games.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Yeah, for sure. Likely a direct correlation between quality OL and QB health. Age likely also a factor.
eighsse2
Footballguy
He hit over on those yards, TD's, and games started last year. Only hit over on the int's by 0.5. And was wayyy under on the wins.They seem lofty for a 41 soon to be 42 y/oEh, those aren't really lofty numbers, well above average though.Wow - that will be one impressive season.
He’s gonna do all that but not win 10 games? With that defense?
A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
If Rudolph starts, what are the numbers
Pass TD
Pass Yds
Interceptions
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Get out of here with those facts.
I do wonder how another year past major surgery will affect things. If at all. Clearly, another year older hurts, but I wonder how much that’s offset by more recovery time from the Achilles.
If he plays again, we’ll see then.
Gatorade
Footballguy
Plus round one loss in the playoffs to continue Tomlin's streak
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Don’t careA completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
If Rudolph starts, what are the numbers
Pass TD
Pass Yds
Interceptions
Don’t care
Don’t care
I made that abundantly clear.
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Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Guess it should be easy for you to plant flags on all of them except ints then?He hit over on those yards, TD's, and games started last year. Only hit over on the int's by 0.5. And was wayyy under on the wins.They seem lofty for a 41 soon to be 42 y/oEh, those aren't really lofty numbers, well above average though.Wow - that will be one impressive season.
He’s gonna do all that but not win 10 games? With that defense?
eighsse2
Footballguy
I did, I even threw in int's.Guess it should be easy for you to plant flags on all of them except ints then?He hit over on those yards, TD's, and games started last year. Only hit over on the int's by 0.5. And was wayyy under on the wins.They seem lofty for a 41 soon to be 42 y/oEh, those aren't really lofty numbers, well above average though.Wow - that will be one impressive season.
He’s gonna do all that but not win 10 games? With that defense?
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Sorry, meant ”overs” except ints.I did, I even threw in int's.Guess it should be easy for you to plant flags on all of them except ints then?He hit over on those yards, TD's, and games started last year. Only hit over on the int's by 0.5. And was wayyy under on the wins.They seem lofty for a 41 soon to be 42 y/oEh, those aren't really lofty numbers, well above average though.Wow - that will be one impressive season.
He’s gonna do all that but not win 10 games? With that defense?
Don’t cateA completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
If Rudolph starts, what are the numbers
Pass TD
Pass Yds
Interceptions
Don’t care
Don’t care
I made that abundantly clear.
Predicting what players will do is the core of what we do here. Especially when players are so adamantly argued for or against. Most are abundantly clear on that.
We'll move on though. That's plenty of an answer.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
When you asked before I said this.Don’t cateA completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
If Rudolph starts, what are the numbers
Pass TD
Pass Yds
Interceptions
Don’t care
Don’t care
I made that abundantly clear.
Predicting what players will do is the core of what we do here. Especially when players are so adamantly argued for or against. Most are abundantly clear on that.
We'll move on though. That's plenty of an answer.
Was some part of that unclear to you? I explicitly stated that for me it wasn’t about Rudolph’s stats. I spelled it out for you in great detail.A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
Seems like you’re trolling here. That’s what it’s called when someone asks the same question over and over again. Be better than that. It’s not excellent behavior.
When you asked before I said this.Don’t cateA completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
If Rudolph starts, what are the numbers
Pass TD
Pass Yds
Interceptions
Don’t care
Don’t care
I made that abundantly clear.
Predicting what players will do is the core of what we do here. Especially when players are so adamantly argued for or against. Most are abundantly clear on that.
We'll move on though. That's plenty of an answer.
Was some part of that unclear to you? I explicitly stated that for me it wasn’t.A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
Seems like you’re trolling here. That’s what it’s called when someone asks the same question over and over again. Be better than that. It’s not excellent behavior.
Asking for basic stat projections for a player is nowhere near trolling.
Especially when you asked for the exact same thing for the other player being discussed at this position.
As I said, moving on. I got a clear answer.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Asking the same question after I already answered it in detail 100% is.
I’ve been entirely consistent in this topic that I do not care what stats Ruldolph produces because it’s about saving money and getting a better draft pick.
I’ve said that to you, specifically, 3x in here. Once in the “what would you do as GM” question, then again to that same question, and then I spelled it out for you above.
So for the 4th and final time: I do not care what stats Rudolph produces because it’s more about what I think is good for the Steelers.
And honestly, thanks to you, I’m not sure i even care about that any more.
moving on.
eighsse2
Footballguy
You don't think what Rudolph produces (given that Rudolph starts) is relevant to what is good for the Steelers?
JohnnyU
Footballguy
Sometimes it’s better not to say anything rather than be controversial. I could learn from my own advice. I know we’ve duked it out before and in retrospect I see that it probably wasn’t a good thing.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Read my post above when I answered Joe the 1st time.
I think he’d be worse than ARod and that itself would be better. I explained why in great detail above.
Here ya go:
A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
I see nothing controversial about that take. In fact, I’m not the only one who’s said it. I’m just the only one Joe keeps asking about it.
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It's not worth it.
No doubt.
I got all I needed to know on that one. All good.
For getting back to a real discussion, anyone have thoughts on a timeline for when we might have clarity?
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Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
My guess is when TC starts, but who knows?
No doubt.
I got a clear answer and all I needed to know on that one. All good.
For getting back to a real discussion, anyone have thoughts on a timeline for when we might have clarity?
This is such a bizarre dance. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it.
My guess is when TC starts, but who knows?
No doubt.
I got a clear answer and all I needed to know on that one. All good.
For getting back to a real discussion, anyone have thoughts on a timeline for when we might have clarity?
This is such a bizarre dance. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it.
It's interesting for sure. I asked ChatGPT for other examples:
Aaron Rodgers’ situation has that same mix of intrigue, uncertainty, and drama that NFL fans love (or love to hate). Summer limbo for high-profile players, especially quarterbacks, isn’t common, but it has happened. Here are some memorable examples across eras:
Brett Favre (2008, Packers/Vikings saga)
- The vibe: Déjà vu, anyone? Rodgers' mentor was the king of summer indecision.
- What happened: Favre “retired” in March, unretired in summer, the Packers had already moved on to Rodgers, so they traded Favre to the Jets. A year later, Favre signed with the division-rival Vikings.
- Lesson: Summer standoffs can get messy, especially when legacies and successors collide.
Deshaun Watson (2021, Texans)
- The vibe: Toxic.
- What happened: Requested a trade before allegations of misconduct surfaced. Didn’t report to OTAs or minicamp. The team kept him inactive all season, eventually trading him to Cleveland in 2022.
- Lesson: Legal issues, PR crises, and trade demands can leave even top QBs in extended limbo.
Tom Brady (2020, Patriots > Buccaneers)
- The vibe: Quiet tension.
- What happened: While Brady didn't extend it into summer, his free agency after 20 years in New England loomed large throughout the 2019 season and early offseason. There were long stretches of radio silence before he signed with Tampa in March.
- Lesson: Sometimes the silence is the drama.
Non QBs
Le’Veon Bell (2018, Steelers)
- The vibe: Principle > paycheck.
- What happened: Franchise tagged, refused to sign, skipped all team activities, and eventually sat out the entire season.
- Lesson: Summer contract showdowns can escalate into full-year holdouts.
Darrelle Revis (2010, Jets)
- The vibe: Island on strike.
- What happened: Held out from training camp into the season due to contract disputes. Eventually signed a deal after a high-profile standoff on HBO’s Hard Knocks.
- Lesson: Star players holding out creates tension, media frenzy, and front office headaches.
Where Rodgers’ Situation Ranks
Rodgers’ current deal is murky, but the idea that he might not return to the Jets—or retire, or be cut, or play elsewhere—this late into the offseason echoes Favre the most. His history of calculated mystique and the Jets' uncertain direction make this a classic “will he or won’t he?” drama heading into training camp.
If he doesn’t report by July, we’re looking at a very rare QB standoff that could turn into legacy-defining territory.
As always, ChatGPT is subject to getting things wrong. So don't take as gospel.
Not deal, but situation.
As always, ChatGPT is subject to getting things wrong. So don't take as gospel.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Don't worry about that, sir
It may be the only thing that get's it more wrong than I do.
eighsse2
Footballguy
Oh, okay, yeah I hadn't read that part of this conversation. I understand that. Some sticklers would probably say that's "unethical" or "unsportsmanlike" to make a decision in an attempt to lose more games for future benefit, but I've never understood that argument. Each team should do what it thinks is best for the franchise overall, and sometimes that means losing at the time.Read my post above when I answered Joe the 1st time.
I think he’d be worse than ARod and that itself would be better. I explained why in great detail above.
Here ya go:
A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
I see nothing controversial about that take. In fact, I’m not the only one who’s said it. I’m just the only one Joe keeps asking about it.
But yeah, I guess that means, it's not that you don't care at all what Rudolph's projections would be, because that factors directly into your reasoning. But I can understand not caring enough to want to specifically put the time and effort in to produce projections on demand, though it's maybe a fair ask if you're requesting flag plants on Rodgers stats.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I agree. We’ve seen players hold out. We’ve seen ARod do the “will he / won’t he” thing before.
But I can’t recall a team not actually having a plan B, waiting for a QB to decide.
That said, the longer this goes, the more convinced I am that some sort of secret handshake deal has occurred and the Steelers know 100% that ARod will be their QB.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Maybe, but he is enough of a crackpot/drama queen they'd be fools to trust anything not in writing.
If such a "handshake" thing exists they had better be comfortable with whatever their "not Rodgers" options are. He is going to do whatever he decides to do, regardless of anything he might have said 3 months ago. IMO™
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I asked for flag plants on ARod & thew out some O/U numbers because I thought it was a fun exercise that folks might enjoy and that it might make for lively conversation.
I did not do it because I believe Rudolph would have better numbers.
I did say I think the Steelers win 6-7 with Rudolph and 8-9 with ARod, which I thought said it all. They’re better with ARod. But is that better for the franchise?
If they do sign ARod (which, as I just said i believe they will) then I see a lot of parallels with the 2024-2025 golden state warriors. A team that barely made the playoffs, advanced with an older star player past his prime (pick any of curry, dray, Buckets) from round 1 by the skin of their teeth, then lost before the conference finals. Next year their big 3 are a year older, and they won’t be a lottery team. One could argue whether being a lottery team matters that much in this era, but that’s a different discussion for a different topic.
The point is, what’s good for the 2025 Steelers being a watchable product or winning more games isn’t necessarily good for the Steelers long-term health as say, drafting Dart then bringing in ARod, or saving $ by going with Rudolph and developing Dart (or whatever rookie QB) - maybe giving the rookie some critical game reps down the stretch to further develop them.
I believe that’s a pretty valid and reasonable take, but others clearly disagree. And as some say often, and that’s ok. Makes discussions more interesting when others have different takes.
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pinkstapler
Footballguy
Honestly, I think there's many shades of gray where it's possible to both put forth a competitive team while also taking actions which obviously prioritize future success more than immediate success. It's a dance where you can favor one side over the other, but can never fully ignore one. Even from a business standpoint, organizations still need to put butts in seat, sell concessions, sell merch, etc. And realistically, even in a so-called "tank" season, teams are almost always improving in at least one facet of their game.Oh, okay, yeah I hadn't read that part of this conversation. I understand that. Some sticklers would probably say that's "unethical" or "unsportsmanlike" to make a decision in an attempt to lose more games for future benefit, but I've never understood that argument. Each team should do what it thinks is best for the franchise overall, and sometimes that means losing at the time.Read my post above when I answered Joe the 1st time.
I think he’d be worse than ARod and that itself would be better. I explained why in great detail above.
Here ya go:
A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
I see nothing controversial about that take. In fact, I’m not the only one who’s said it. I’m just the only one Joe keeps asking about it.
It will always be divisive and people will be able to spin it however they want; but I think that's what makes what I said true. There will rarely, if ever, be a 90%+ consensus saying "they are definitely mailing this year in". It's one of the good things about the NFL IMO. While not everyone loves a short season (compared to other sports leagues), while people can make very valid points about the detriments of non-guaranteed contracts, while people may be justified in hating the impatience of owners and constant coaching turnover.... these things also combine to create a situation where regardless of what the owner/front office wants with regards to a tank, very few times will the people with the most impact on a games outcome (the coaches and players) be ok with rolling over and losing. It's their future career earnings on the line more than any other involved party. No owner is getting fired for a losing season, heck some are pushing multiple decades of losing haha.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Yep - totally. As I just said, I never suggested the Steelers tank by going with Rudolph.Honestly, I think there's many shades of gray where it's possible to both put forth a competitive team while also taking actions which obviously prioritize future success more than immediate success. It's a dance where you can favor one side over the other, but can never fully ignore one. Even from a business standpoint, organizations still need to put butts in seat, sell concessions, sell merch, etc. And realistically, even in a so-called "tank" season, teams are almost always improving in at least one facet of their game.Oh, okay, yeah I hadn't read that part of this conversation. I understand that. Some sticklers would probably say that's "unethical" or "unsportsmanlike" to make a decision in an attempt to lose more games for future benefit, but I've never understood that argument. Each team should do what it thinks is best for the franchise overall, and sometimes that means losing at the time.Read my post above when I answered Joe the 1st time.
I think he’d be worse than ARod and that itself would be better. I explained why in great detail above.
Here ya go:
A completely different set - they start and with a $ and end with a draft pick.
That’s key in my assessment of who they should start. It’s not an either/or, it’s a go with what you’ve already got & plan for the future. Save a little scratch in the process.
To not appear to be dodging the question, I think they win 8-9 games with ARod and probably 6 or 7 with Rudolph.
But with Rudolph it’s an entirely different question. I’m not saying he should start because he’s going to put up better numbers. I’m saying he should start because they’ll get a better draft pick & he’ll cost them less in the process of going nowhere.
At this point it seems like the worst thing that can happen is they go out and win 10 games and eek into the playoffs for a 1 & done. I know that many fans disagree - as you said, hope is powrful. Soul crushing playoff losses are too, though.
I see nothing controversial about that take. In fact, I’m not the only one who’s said it. I’m just the only one Joe keeps asking about it.
It will always be divisive and people will be able to spin it however they want; but I think that's what makes what I said true. There will rarely, if ever, be a 90%+ consensus saying "they are definitely mailing this year in". It's one of the good things about the NFL IMO. While not everyone loves a short season (compared to other sports leagues), while people can make very valid points about the detriments of non-guaranteed contracts, while people may be justified in hating the impatience of owners and constant coaching turnover.... these things also combine to create a situation where regardless of what the owner/front office wants with regards to a tank, very few times will the people with the most impact on a games outcome (the coaches and players) be ok with rolling over and losing. It's their future career earnings on the line more than any other involved party. No owner is getting fired for a losing season, heck some are pushing multiple decades of losing haha.
Every point I made was couched in drafting a rookie QB to develop. I just said as much 1 post above.
It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a higher draft pick as a benefit of that though.
Absolutely, I've long said I think the idea teams intentionally put out a less competitive team than they possibly could or say "why bother" if they can't win a Super Bowl is mostly fan fiction.
It's a balance and usually strategic approach with often lots behind the scenes we're not able to see.
I suppose it's possible some teams don't care, but I've always been under the impression NFL Teams are trying exceptionally hard to win this year and every year. There are of course some outliers, but in general, I think the tanking talk gets overdone.
brewer
Footballguy
The Steelers have no interest in tanking. Zero, none, never going to happen.
While I have been vocal in my opinion that I would prefer Rodgers not become a Steeler, that is the most likely outcome to this entire saga. As some have said in the past, I think they have a handshake agreement in place already and are not worried about the media at all.
If I had to guess, Rodgers will sign just after the mandatory 3 day minicamp that runs from June 10-12. So, yes, my wager is Friday the 13th.... Rodgers will sign for the Steelers.
While I have been vocal in my opinion that I would prefer Rodgers not become a Steeler, that is the most likely outcome to this entire saga. As some have said in the past, I think they have a handshake agreement in place already and are not worried about the media at all.
If I had to guess, Rodgers will sign just after the mandatory 3 day minicamp that runs from June 10-12. So, yes, my wager is Friday the 13th.... Rodgers will sign for the Steelers.
Agreed. I have a hard time imagining them intentionally putting a team on the field that's not as good as it could be.
pinkstapler
Footballguy
Alright. shut down the boards for the day. I just made a post that elicited back to back responses from both HSG and Joe in complete agreement. Our work is done here 
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Alright. shut down the boards for the day. I just made a post that elicited back to back responses from both HSG and Joe in complete agreement. Our work is done here
Yes. I expect they have a plan B. But I'm not sure what the worry level should be. I'd be terrified of rolling out Mason Rudolph as the starter. But clearly, there are tons of people here who prefer him over Rodgers.
As far as the player doing what's best for him, I'm comfortable with that. It's interesting how that seems to change based on the player. As long as they're operating within the Free Agency rules, I seem to be an outlier, but I don't have any problem with a player doing what is best for them.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
There are already too many Steelers-centric threads, so rather than start another one, I'll ask Steelers fans here. The last time the Steelers won a playoff game was 2016.
The reason for that is ______________. Fill in the blank. I am looking for the primary, biggest reason, not a 46-page report with 12 chapters and a full breakdown of the 132 different potential reasons. Pick the top reason only. For examples, "injuries," "Tomlin," "offensive scheme," "quarterback production," "poor drafting," "game planning," "lack of in-game adjustments," etc. Feel free to expound on your answer, but stick to that one explanation as the primary cause.
The reason for that is ______________. Fill in the blank. I am looking for the primary, biggest reason, not a 46-page report with 12 chapters and a full breakdown of the 132 different potential reasons. Pick the top reason only. For examples, "injuries," "Tomlin," "offensive scheme," "quarterback production," "poor drafting," "game planning," "lack of in-game adjustments," etc. Feel free to expound on your answer, but stick to that one explanation as the primary cause.
BoltNlava
Footballguy
QB/Tomlin with lack of QB.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I’d go with QB.
For some weird reason I still like Tomlin. I’ve never seen a team quit on him. He seems like a quality HC.
I know Steelers fans seem pretty tired of him, but I had to endure a decade of Jim Tomsula, Singletary, Mike Nolan, Chip Kelly, Dennis Erickson, and Jim Tomsula again.
I’d trade any one of them for Tomlin. Seems like a familiarity breeds contempt/grass is greener kinda thing.
The top paid defense in the league crumbles and plays like one of the cheapest/worst.
That's a good question. But probably way more appropriate for the Steelers thread than the Rodgers thread. https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2025-pittsburgh-steelers-starting-qb-tbd-later.815627/
BoltNlava
Footballguy
Yes, but Tomlin could never hide/use/coordinate when QB play was bad/average. Even the D he created faltered. I understand great QB play hides a lot of average/poor play everywhere else, but isn't that why you have a great HC? He needs to raise a team above or compensate for when QB is average or below par. Titans come to mind here.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Sure looked/felt like they did last year.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Didn't they have a number of defensive injuries? Maybe I'm misremembering that.
Not really.
The playoff game was so ugly it looked the team quit Tomlin and he responded by quitting on them.
Low point of his career IMO.
nightmare
Footballguy
Comfort. The Rooneys are comfortable with the situation. Two things. They have decades of history rolling with whomever as starting QB. (Bradshaw and Big Ben are the exception).
The second thing? No incentive to change this. They are raking in money with ticket sales (home and away), have a small coaching, scouting and front office staff.(lower payroll)
Take a few moments and think about this before unloading a response.
You want to think about the Cowher years of playoff games with average?/below average? QB's and that this IS how they operate.
The difference is Cowher started with crap and ended with a Super bowl and Tomlin started with a Super Bowl.
This situation isn't new to the Rooneys.
