QB Aaron Rodgers, PIT (4 Viewers)

[tbsteel]

Tomlin is a victim of his own success, recently getting teams in the playoffs piloted by Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields. He has a winning record when starting Kenny Pickett - let that sink in. Getting in the playoffs consistently, teams that shouldn't be there in the 1st place, is a statement itself and shouldn't be held against him when they lose the first round against Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Patrick Mahomes.

If you want to use QB as an excuse then let it sink in that when he had Big Ben still in his prime or playing at a high level his teams lost to Tim Tebow, Blake Bortles and Cleveland era Baker Mayfield.

But also a Super Bowl win with a 23-year-old QB in his second year that posted a 22.6 passer rating in the Big Game.

That was Bill Cowher.

And yes, Big Ben came up short as a super young QB in that moment, but he was absolutely fantastic in that playoff run leading up to it in the wins @Cincy, @Indy and taking down that awesome Colts team, and @Denver in the AFC title game. The Steelers had little to no running game that playoff run as well outside of Parker's monster run in the SB.

 

[cdclopper]

Tomlin is a victim of his own success, recently getting teams in the playoffs piloted by Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields.

This sort of works both ways. Yes, he got PIT to the playoffs with those guys. But he also chose to have those guys as his QBs. They got Wilson to play last year for basically free (only had to pay $1.21M), and Fields also cost them next to nothing in salary ($3.2M). That allowed PIT to allocate way more against the cap across the rest of the roster compared to pretty much every other franchise. The point being, the Steelers made a choice to run with those QBs. Tomlin certainly had the clout to speak up and demand other guys should have been brought in. It's not like he was a rookie HC taking over a 4-win team. PIT had the resources and a good reputation to have gotten someone else (via trading up in the draft, by trade, or signing a FA).

I'll bring up Andy Ried who has always been considered a great coach even before when he hadn't had a lot of playoff success. Until he got Mahomes. You can say he had a part in getting Alex Smith and Nick Foles and Donovan McNabb and yada yada. Sometimes a coach has to take what he can get. Rarely does a team get a chance at a Josh Allen unless by draft.

 

[Anarchy99]

Tomlin is a victim of his own success, recently getting teams in the playoffs piloted by Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields.

This sort of works both ways. Yes, he got PIT to the playoffs with those guys. But he also chose to have those guys as his QBs. They got Wilson to play last year for basically free (only had to pay $1.21M), and Fields also cost them next to nothing in salary ($3.2M). That allowed PIT to allocate way more against the cap across the rest of the roster compared to pretty much every other franchise. The point being, the Steelers made a choice to run with those QBs. Tomlin certainly had the clout to speak up and demand other guys should have been brought in. It's not like he was a rookie HC taking over a 4-win team. PIT had the resources and a good reputation to have gotten someone else (via trading up in the draft, by trade, or signing a FA).

I'll bring up Andy Ried who has always been considered a great coach even before when he hadn't had a lot of playoff success. Until he got Mahomes. You can say he had a part in getting Alex Smith and Nick Foles and Donovan McNabb and yada yada. Sometimes a coach has to take what he can get.

I really don't think we need to cry too many tears for Andy Reid. In the past 25 seasons, his QBs have been McNabb, Vick, Smith, and Mahomes. Foles came in out of the bullpen one year when Vick got hurt. Not taking anything away from Reid as a coach, but those are 4 really good QBs that he got to coach for multiple years each. It took Mahomes to get him to win a SB, but the other 3 were still a lot closer to the top of the league than the bottom in terms of QB play.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Tomlin is a victim of his own success, recently getting teams in the playoffs piloted by Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields. He has a winning record when starting Kenny Pickett - let that sink in. Getting in the playoffs consistently, teams that shouldn't be there in the 1st place, is a statement itself and shouldn't be held against him when they lose the first round against Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Patrick Mahomes.

If you want to use QB as an excuse then let it sink in that when he had Big Ben still in his prime or playing at a high level his teams lost to Tim Tebow, Blake Bortles and Cleveland era Baker Mayfield.

But also a Super Bowl win with a 23-year-old QB in his second year that posted a 22.6 passer rating in the Big Game.

That was Bill Cowher.

And yes, Big Ben came up short as a super young QB in that moment, but he was absolutely fantastic in that playoff run leading up to it in the wins @Cincy, @Indy and taking down that awesome Colts team, and @Denver in the AFC title game. The Steelers had little to no running game that playoff run as well outside of Parker's monster run in the SB.

Of course. Apologies for my error. Two Super Bowl appearances in his first four years. Only winning one.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Tomlin is a victim of his own success, recently getting teams in the playoffs piloted by Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields.

This sort of works both ways. Yes, he got PIT to the playoffs with those guys. But he also chose to have those guys as his QBs. They got Wilson to play last year for basically free (only had to pay $1.21M), and Fields also cost them next to nothing in salary ($3.2M). That allowed PIT to allocate way more against the cap across the rest of the roster compared to pretty much every other franchise. The point being, the Steelers made a choice to run with those QBs. Tomlin certainly had the clout to speak up and demand other guys should have been brought in. It's not like he was a rookie HC taking over a 4-win team. PIT had the resources and a good reputation to have gotten someone else (via trading up in the draft, by trade, or signing a FA).

I'll bring up Andy Ried who has always been considered a great coach even before when he hadn't had a lot of playoff success. Until he got Mahomes. You can say he had a part in getting Alex Smith and Nick Foles and Donovan McNabb and yada yada. Sometimes a coach has to take what he can get.

I really don't think we need to cry too many tears for Andy Reid. In the past 25 seasons, his QBs have been McNabb, Vick, Smith, and Mahomes. Foles came in out of the bullpen one year when Vick got hurt. Not taking anything away from Reid as a coach, but those are 4 really good QBs that he got to coach for multiple years each. It took Mahomes to get him to win a SB, but the other 3 were still a lot closer to the top of the league than the bottom in terms of QB play.

Definitely some truth in the synergies there. I think that's often overlooked. And both ways. Mahomes is obviously great but he did get the trust fund kid landing spot with Reid and Alex Smith and weapons around him.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tomlin is a victim of his own success, recently getting teams in the playoffs piloted by Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields.

This sort of works both ways. Yes, he got PIT to the playoffs with those guys. But he also chose to have those guys as his QBs. They got Wilson to play last year for basically free (only had to pay $1.21M), and Fields also cost them next to nothing in salary ($3.2M). That allowed PIT to allocate way more against the cap across the rest of the roster compared to pretty much every other franchise. The point being, the Steelers made a choice to run with those QBs. Tomlin certainly had the clout to speak up and demand other guys should have been brought in. It's not like he was a rookie HC taking over a 4-win team. PIT had the resources and a good reputation to have gotten someone else (via trading up in the draft, by trade, or signing a FA).

I'll bring up Andy Ried who has always been considered a great coach even before when he hadn't had a lot of playoff success. Until he got Mahomes. You can say he had a part in getting Alex Smith and Nick Foles and Donovan McNabb and yada yada. Sometimes a coach has to take what he can get.

I really don't think we need to cry too many tears for Andy Reid. In the past 25 seasons, his QBs have been McNabb, Vick, Smith, and Mahomes. Foles came in out of the bullpen one year when Vick got hurt. Not taking anything away from Reid as a coach, but those are 4 really good QBs that he got to coach for multiple years each. It took Mahomes to get him to win a SB, but the other 3 were still a lot closer to the top of the league than the bottom in terms of QB play.

He brought out the best versions of these QBs
Think about Vick in 2010 after 2 years in prison and another year just riding the bench and he has one of the most memorable runs at QB, I credit Reid with a lot of it
His ability to guide his QBs so they are prepared and can make the right decisions, you gotta give him credit
Won B2B Super Bowls, went to 3 straight as the Chiefs have been rebuilding.
I understand your POV but I think Reid deserves a lot of praise

 

[Anarchy99]

I understand your POV but I think Reid deserves a lot of praise

I think you misinterpreted my post. Someone else was discussing that coaches often end up with spare parts at QB and mentioned Reid and that he needed Mahomes to win. I wasn't knocking Reid. He was able to coach 25 years with only 4 QB, it just took him 21 years to finally win. But he decided to trade up to get Mahomes, just like he opted to draft McNabb, sign Vick, and trade for Smith. By comparison, Tomlin inherited Big Ben, and since he retired, the Steelers haven't really made decisive moves for QBs . . . the total opposite of what Reid did over the years.

 

[fatness]

ESPN's Mike Clay rates the top 30 fantasy QB's this year.
1. Allen
2. Jackson
3. Daniels
4. Hurts
5. Burrow
6. Mahomes
.
.
.
.
.
30. Rodgers

 

[cdclopper]

I understand your POV but I think Reid deserves a lot of praise

I think you misinterpreted my post. Someone else was discussing that coaches often end up with spare parts at QB and mentioned Reid and that he needed Mahomes to win. I wasn't knocking Reid. He was able to coach 25 years with only 4 QB, it just took him 21 years to finally win. But he decided to trade up to get Mahomes, just like he opted to draft McNabb, sign Vick, and trade for Smith. By comparison, Tomlin inherited Big Ben, and since he retired, the Steelers haven't really made decisive moves for QBs . . . the total opposite of what Reid did over the years.

Reid went x amount of years using spare parts qbs before they got Mahomes. How is this the exact opposite of what the Steelers have been doing the last 5 years? Ppl are mad they weren't able to replace Ben immediaty.

 

[BassNBrew]

ESPN's Mike Clay rates the top 30 fantasy QB's this year.
1. Allen
2. Jackson
3. Daniels
4. Hurts
5. Burrow
6. Mahomes
.
.
.
.
.
30. Rodgers

Someone with some common sense outside of stubbornly banging square Mahomes into that round hole.

 

[Anarchy99]

Reid went x amount of years using spare parts qbs before they got Mahomes. How is this the exact opposite of what the Steelers have been doing the last 5 years? Ppl are mad they weren't able to replace Ben immediaty.

What spare parts are you talking about for Reid? He coached:

- McNabb, who he drafted 2nd overall, for 148 games.
- Vick, who was a former 1st overall pick and 3-time Pro Bowl QB, for 47 games after he was done with his prison time and suspension (he would qualify as a reclamation project).
- Smith, who was a 7-year starter in SF before he was traded, for 76 games.

How are those guys similar to the situations of: Kenny Pickett (24 starts for PIT), Russell Wilson (11 starts), Mitchell Trubisky (7 starts), Justin Fields (6 starts), and Mason Rudolph (3 starts since Ben retired)? They drafted Pickett, who they opted to move off of, and then briefly tried a number of other options that they didn't stick with and were cheap options. They only paid out $4.4 million combined for Wilson and Fields last year. That was a strategic choice to have more cap space allocated to other players . . . not an unplanned, "we just couldn't find a QB" occurrence. Reid stuck with the guys he brought in, which is something the Steelers haven't done post-Ben.

 

[cdclopper]

Reid went x amount of years using spare parts qbs before they got Mahomes. How is this the exact opposite of what the Steelers have been doing the last 5 years? Ppl are mad they weren't able to replace Ben immediaty.

What spare parts are you talking about for Reid? He coached:

- McNabb, who he drafted 2nd overall, for 148 games.
- Vick, who was a former 1st overall pick and 3-time Pro Bowl QB, for 47 games after he was done with his prison time and suspension (he would qualify as a reclamation project).
- Smith, who was a 7-year starter in SF before he was traded, for 76 games.

How are those guys similar to the situations of: Kenny Pickett (24 starts for PIT), Russell Wilson (11 starts), Mitchell Trubisky (7 starts), Justin Fields (6 starts), and Mason Rudolph (3 starts since Ben retired)? They drafted Pickett, who they opted to move off of, and then briefly tried a number of other options that they didn't stick with and were cheap options. They only paid out $4.4 million combined for Wilson and Fields last year. That was a strategic choice to have more cap space allocated to other players . . . not an unplanned, "we just couldn't find a QB" occurrence. Reid stuck with the guys he brought in, which is something the Steelers haven't done post-Ben.

Reid was doing well enough to get into the playoffs for many years with at best above average quarterback play. But not well enough to win in the play-offs consistently. Then he gets Mahomes.

The Steelers have been trying to replace Ben for only 5 years and people are mad that they havent been able to do it - like that's easy to do. Would it have been better if they had "stuck with the guys" of Kenny Pickett or Mitchell Trubisky?

 

[Anarchy99]

Reid went x amount of years using spare parts qbs before they got Mahomes. How is this the exact opposite of what the Steelers have been doing the last 5 years? Ppl are mad they weren't able to replace Ben immediaty.

What spare parts are you talking about for Reid? He coached:

- McNabb, who he drafted 2nd overall, for 148 games.
- Vick, who was a former 1st overall pick and 3-time Pro Bowl QB, for 47 games after he was done with his prison time and suspension (he would qualify as a reclamation project).
- Smith, who was a 7-year starter in SF before he was traded, for 76 games.

How are those guys similar to the situations of: Kenny Pickett (24 starts for PIT), Russell Wilson (11 starts), Mitchell Trubisky (7 starts), Justin Fields (6 starts), and Mason Rudolph (3 starts since Ben retired)? They drafted Pickett, who they opted to move off of, and then briefly tried a number of other options that they didn't stick with and were cheap options. They only paid out $4.4 million combined for Wilson and Fields last year. That was a strategic choice to have more cap space allocated to other players . . . not an unplanned, "we just couldn't find a QB" occurrence. Reid stuck with the guys he brought in, which is something the Steelers haven't done post-Ben.

Reid was doing well enough to get into the playoffs for many years with at best above average quarterback play. But not well enough to win in the play-offs consistently. Then he gets Mahomes.

The Steelers have been trying to replace Ben for only 5 years and people are mad that they havent been able to do it - like that's easy to do. Would it have been better if they had "stuck with the guys" of Kenny Pickett or Mitchell Trubisky?

McNabb made 6 Pro Bowls under Reid. VIck had 1 and Smith had 3. That's 10 seasons where a QB under Reid made a Pro Bowl. If you are going to cite that as "at best above average QB play," so be it. Reid's teams ranked in the Top 10 in offensive scoring 11 times before Mahomes took over as starter. Since Ben retired, PIT has ranked 26, 28, and 16 in offensive scoring. PIT under Tomlin have ranked Top 10 in offensive scoring 6 times. Not surprisingly, the Reid system has been more successful on offense than whatever the Steelers have been running under Tomlin. One thing left out of this is the KC defense has given up a lot fewer points than the PHI did under Reid. People like to point to Mahomes as being the only reason Reid wins now, but the defense has also been a big part of it.

 

[Anarchy99]

To be fair, it's really hard to find a replacement for a HOF level QB. Not every team is the Packers. Look at the following situations . . .

NE post-Brady: Newton, Jones, Zappe, Brissett, Maye
ATL post-Ryan: Mariota, Ridder, Heineke, Cousins, Penix
NYG post-Eli: Jones, Glennon, Taylor, DeVito, Lock (now on to Wilson and Winston)
NOS post-Brees: Winston, Hill, Siemian, Dalton, Carr, Rattler

 

[sm8680]

To be fair, it's really hard to find a replacement for a HOF level QB. Not every team is the Packers. Look at the following situations . . .

NE post-Brady: Newton, Jones, Zappe, Brissett, Maye
ATL post-Ryan: Mariota, Ridder, Heineke, Cousins, Penix
NYG post-Eli: Jones, Glennon, Taylor, DeVito, Lock (now on to Wilson and Winston)
NOS post-Brees: Winston, Hill, Siemian, Dalton, Carr, Rattler

Your missing Ben and Peyton. Matty ice may or may not make the HOF. He's definitely not a lock.

 

[Anarchy99]

To be fair, it's really hard to find a replacement for a HOF level QB. Not every team is the Packers. Look at the following situations . . .

NE post-Brady: Newton, Jones, Zappe, Brissett, Maye
ATL post-Ryan: Mariota, Ridder, Heineke, Cousins, Penix
NYG post-Eli: Jones, Glennon, Taylor, DeVito, Lock (now on to Wilson and Winston)
NOS post-Brees: Winston, Hill, Siemian, Dalton, Carr, Rattler

Your missing Ben and Peyton. Matty ice may or may not make the HOF. He's definitely not a lock.

I left off Ben because we've been discussing the Steelers (which is why I brought it up). I considered adding Peyton, but he didn't play in DEN that long and it's been 10 years . . . and it's been 15 years since he played for IND.

 

[sm8680]

Good points

 

[GreenNGold]

I think Rodgers makes a lot of sense for the Steelers. Unlike the Jets, they are already a playoff team, and their biggest hole is QB. They really don't have any other options, so a bridge QB for even a year or two while they search for a future option makes a lot of sense to me. I think that Tomlin getting the Steeler's into the playoffs each year with the rosters they have had (even though they have been one and done) is quite the accomplishment.

 

[Anarchy99]

I think Rodgers makes a lot of sense for the Steelers. Unlike the Jets, they are already a playoff team, and their biggest hole is QB. They really don't have any other options, so a bridge QB for even a year or two while they search for a future option makes a lot of sense to me. I think that Tomlin getting the Steeler's into the playoffs each year with the rosters they have had (even though they have been one and done) is quite the accomplishment.

For a lot of teams, just making the playoffs would be considered a huge accomplishment. However, PIT under Tomlin has gone 0-6 in their most recent playoff games spanning 9 years. But it goes deeper than that. In those games, they allowed 38.3 ppg and lost by an average of almost 14 points. If the goal is to win SBs, does getting an extra game and then playing non-competitive football that much better than not making the playoffs at all? I get that no team wants to have a losing record and consistently miss the playoffs. But whatever the Steelers have been doing lately seems to stall out once they get to the post season.

 

[Faust]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

 

[scothawk]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

I was just coming to state I think he will flirt with them for the attention.

Then I started to think that he could go there and mess around with voodoo and **** and become even weirder.

Might be something to this.

 

[steelerfan1]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

If I’ve even wanted Ian to be right about something…

 

[Mitchie]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

Too late, I've already ruled it out.

 

[zed2283]

I didn't read all the posts, but Alex Smith was never near the top of any QB list (other than a draft list). He was barely serviceable for most of his career. I don't slobber over Andy Reid, but if Smith was any good in KC I'm sure it had a lot to do with Reid.

 

[pinkstapler]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

I was just coming to state I think he will flirt with them for the attention.

Then I started to think that he could go there and mess around with voodoo and **** and become even weirder.

Might be something to this.

Is there any other logical reason to him not signing with the Steelers than waiting for opportunities like this? Regardless of some popular opinions, he's not stupid. I think he's biding his time to see what other potentially more attractive options come along be it injuries, wild things happening in the draft, etc. His health and whether or not he's hit the cliff aside; Rodger's isn't a guy who need to be with a team right now (or even really the next 2 months IMO) to be successful. He's a vet and knows the game, and can walk in late July/early August and have just as much success as he would signing with a team tomorrow. If he bombs out, it won't be due to not being signed in April.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

He's coming on McAfee today...

 

[brewer]

I disagree that he would have as much success waiting until July/August to sign than sometime around now. Yes he is a vet but he will more than likely be walking into a completely different offense. The Jets provided him with an OC that would run an offense that Aaron was intimately familiar with. He will not get that in Pittsburgh or New Orleans or most everywhere else.

 

[warpig33]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

If I’ve even wanted Ian to be right about something…

At this stage, isn't Carr = Rodgers? A middling starting QB? Wonder what the deal with Carr's shoulder is or if it's all made up?

 

[scothawk]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

If I’ve even wanted Ian to be right about something…

At this stage, isn't Carr = Rodgers? A middling starting QB? Wonder what the deal with Carr's shoulder is or if it's all made up?

Carr doesnt come with the baggage that Rodgers does. I know who I would rather have.

 

[menobrown]

Rodgers>Carr and not close to me from perspective of on and off the field.

 

[pinkstapler]

I disagree that he would have as much success waiting until July/August to sign than sometime around now. Yes he is a vet but he will more than likely be walking into a completely different offense. The Jets provided him with an OC that would run an offense that Aaron was intimately familiar with. He will not get that in Pittsburgh or New Orleans or most everywhere else.

He's not just a vet, he's one of the most talented QBs to play the game in the past 20+ years, and it wasn't because of elite physical ability like a Lamarr. YMMV, but the metrics and most respected analysts of the game are in my corner on this one. People get blinded by this guy being unlikable, and the Packers dropping the ball several times in several ways over his time there so his team impacted numbers fall short.

Again... has his physical talent dropped off in recent years, almost definitely. You'll get no disagreement from me there. But he does not need months in walk throughs or studying a playbook (especially the one put together by Arthur Smith lol) to step on a field and mentally be ahead of 90% of the QBs in the league today. He would be yawning through our scheme by the 8th time Arthur's calling a RB toss in the first 15 plays. This is not a Sean Payton/Kyle Shannahan playbook with a dozen presnap motion options or play calls that take two full breaths to say out loud.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Rapoport: Don’t Rule Out Saints in Aaron Rodgers Sweepstakes

If I’ve even wanted Ian to be right about something…

At this stage, isn't Carr = Rodgers? A middling starting QB? Wonder what the deal with Carr's shoulder is or if it's all made up?

Carr doesnt come with the baggage that Rodgers does. I know who I would rather have.

He doesn't come with four NFL MVP trophies either.

 

[brewer]

I disagree that he would have as much success waiting until July/August to sign than sometime around now. Yes he is a vet but he will more than likely be walking into a completely different offense. The Jets provided him with an OC that would run an offense that Aaron was intimately familiar with. He will not get that in Pittsburgh or New Orleans or most everywhere else.

He's not just a vet, he's one of the most talented QBs to play the game in the past 20+ years, and it wasn't because of elite physical ability like a Lamarr. YMMV, but the metrics and most respected analysts of the game are in my corner on this one. People get blinded by this guy being unlikable, and the Packers dropping the ball several times in several ways over his time there so his team impacted numbers fall short.

Again... has his physical talent dropped off in recent years, almost definitely. You'll get no disagreement from me there. But he does not need months in walk throughs or studying a playbook (especially the one put together by Arthur Smith lol) to step on a field and mentally be ahead of 90% of the QBs in the league today. He would be yawning through our scheme by the 8th time Arthur's calling a RB toss in the first 15 plays. This is not a Sean Payton/Kyle Shannahan playbook with a dozen presnap motion options or play calls that take two full breaths to say out loud.

I'm not here to champion for Arthur Smith, but if you want to work with an OC to make an offense better or more tailored to your style, you should maybe start doing so earlier than a month before games. Maybe 5 years ago Aaron didn't need that. I would argue that 41 year old Aaron does.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I still think the Vikings make the most sense for Rodgers but don’t claim to understand the money part. He would be an upgrade from Darnold assuming he could work with OKC. I can’t imagine they’re going to trust a first year guy with that team. I have to admit I watched very little of Rodgers last season so maybe don’t appreciate the decline people are seeing.

I'm three weeks late to the party here, but reading between the lines of Kwesi's press conference, I came away with the impression that Aaron Rodgers is very much still in play to be signed by the Vikings. I was not expecting that door to be left as open as it was by Kwesi.

I'm skeptical that the remaining cap space wouldn't be better spent at other positions, not to mention the riff that they might be creating with their qb of the future. But these are the facts:

1. they're in win-now mode
2. the GM hasn't been extended
3. their current medical redshirt starter didn't survive his first game of preseason football
4. the current backup is Brett Rypien
5. KOC has a good relationship with Rodgers
6. there was no pivot to one of the more established backups when Daniel Jones didn't resign. This should have been more of a priority if McCarthy was truly plan A.

I'm not saying it's a foregone conclusion, but Minnesota is where I'm placing my bets.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I still think the Vikings make the most sense for Rodgers but don’t claim to understand the money part. He would be an upgrade from Darnold assuming he could work with OKC. I can’t imagine they’re going to trust a first year guy with that team. I have to admit I watched very little of Rodgers last season so maybe don’t appreciate the decline people are seeing.

I'm three weeks late to the party here, but reading between the lines of Kwesi's press conference, I came away with the impression that Aaron Rodgers is very much still in play to be signed by the Vikings. I was not expecting that door to be left as open as it was by Kwesi.

I'm skeptical that the remaining cap space wouldn't be better spent at other positions, not to mention the riff that they might be creating with their qb of the future. But these are the facts:

1. they're in win-now mode
2. the GM hasn't been extended
3. their current medical redshirt starter didn't survive his first game of preseason football
4. the current backup is Brett Rypien
5. KOC has a good relationship with Rodgers
6. there was no pivot to one of the more established backups when Daniel Jones didn't resign. This should have been more of a priority if McCarthy was truly plan A.

I'm not saying it's a foregone conclusion, but Minnesota is where I'm placing my bets.

Thanks. Do you have a link and what are the quotes that have you thinking this?

Rodgers in MIN would be interesting. I do think it could be a negative and distraction for McCarthy though.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I still think the Vikings make the most sense for Rodgers but don’t claim to understand the money part. He would be an upgrade from Darnold assuming he could work with OKC. I can’t imagine they’re going to trust a first year guy with that team. I have to admit I watched very little of Rodgers last season so maybe don’t appreciate the decline people are seeing.

I'm three weeks late to the party here, but reading between the lines of Kwesi's press conference, I came away with the impression that Aaron Rodgers is very much still in play to be signed by the Vikings. I was not expecting that door to be left as open as it was by Kwesi.

I'm skeptical that the remaining cap space wouldn't be better spent at other positions, not to mention the riff that they might be creating with their qb of the future. But these are the facts:

1. they're in win-now mode
2. the GM hasn't been extended
3. their current medical redshirt starter didn't survive his first game of preseason football
4. the current backup is Brett Rypien
5. KOC has a good relationship with Rodgers
6. there was no pivot to one of the more established backups when Daniel Jones didn't resign. This should have been more of a priority if McCarthy was truly plan A.

I'm not saying it's a foregone conclusion, but Minnesota is where I'm placing my bets.

Thanks. Do you have a link and what are the quotes that have you thinking this?

Rodgers in MIN would be interesting. I do think it could be a negative and distraction for McCarthy though.

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2:40 Beginning of QB discussion
3:50-7:55 Asked about Rodgers.
11:10 Back to QB discussion. Reference to compensation picks
11:40 Back to Rodgers "It's ultimately up to him." "Hard to talk about a player that isn't under contract for this team."
14:45 More Rodgers, "Kwesi, can you say definitively that the door is closed on Rodgers? It sounds like it was ultimately his decision?" KWESI: I don't know that I said that it was ultimately his decision. Not the right decision AT THIS TIME. Right now, really happy with our room (McCarthy & Rypien), going to look to upgrade it in different ways.

In general, an awful lot of beating around the bush for a guy that isn't being considered. "RIGHT NOW, we're happy with our room." , and then launching into Brett Rypien. More than anything, why would they not declare McCarthy as this team's QB? What backup QB is out that there that might beat him out for the week 1 job? Brissett?

 

[Faust]

Aaron Rodgers breaks silence: QB sounds off on ugly Jets exit, Steelers plans, willingness to play for $10M

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Aaron Rodgers breaks silence: QB sounds off on ugly Jets exit, Steelers plans, willingness to play for $10M

So he basically wants to play for the Steelers or retire.

MIN wasn’t interested so he wants to take his ball and go home.

I hope he retires. Steelers should draft a QB or trade for Cousins and move on. Good god the drama. Every f’n time with this guy.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

More than anything, why would they not declare McCarthy as this team's QB?

It’s a classic coach-speak head game. Gotta keep JJM motivated.

It sounds like he needs none & that he used the year off with his head buried in the playbook, but yeah - the “competition” is going to be between JJM & whatever scrubs they bring in behind him. Maybe Ryan Tannehill for a mentor role?

It’s JJM’s job.

 

[osubuckeyeman]

Aaron Rodgers breaks silence: QB sounds off on ugly Jets exit, Steelers plans, willingness to play for $10M

So he basically wants to play for the Steelers or retire.

MIN wasn’t interested so he wants to take his ball and go home.

I hope he retires. Steelers should draft a QB or trade for Cousins and move on. Good god the drama. Every f’n time with this guy.

Rodgers just doesn't feel right in a Steelers uniform. It's like taking a bite of something you think would taste good, only to have it taste horrible instantly.

 

[Zeppelin]

Why anyone would want an over the hill QB with the baggage/drama Rodgers brings is beyond me

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

More than anything, why would they not declare McCarthy as this team's QB?

It’s a classic coach-speak head game. Gotta keep JJM motivated.

It sounds like he needs none & that he used the year off with his head buried in the playbook, but yeah - the “competition” is going to be between JJM & whatever scrubs they bring in behind him. Maybe Ryan Tannehill for a mentor role?

It’s JJM’s job.

I think it might be JJ's job for some portion of the summer, with an extremely high bar that's not at all typical for most 1st round rookie QBs that are just trying to win the week 1 starting job. If they don't think he's at a level that can make a deep playoff run out of the shoot, I do think Rodgers is an option until he isn't. Just way too much hemming and hawing on the Rodgers question in that press conference to think that it's not still under consideration.

Plenty of reason to wonder what Rodgers is going to bring to the table at this point, even if it's his dream destination playing inside. For what it's worth, conventional wisdom said that Favre was also cooked after his tenure with the Jets.

I'll be convinced Rodgers isn't in the Vikings plans if they trade for a more established backup QB at the draft.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Why anyone would want an over the hill QB with the baggage/drama Rodgers brings is beyond me

My guess is that a lot of this noise is coming from the ARod camp. I'm actually starting to wonder if any team is interested. Not only does he bring the baggage, but he just seems like a very selfish dude. Needless to say, I'm not a fan, but he also didn't look very good last year to my eye.

Admittedly I'm no NFL scout. I would be interested in seeing what actual scouts think of him.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just way too much hemming and hawing on the Rodgers question in that press conference to think that it's not still under consideration.

They have neither hemmed nor hawed - the GM was extremely clear that JJM is operating at a level that they're comfortable with. They traded up on the draft, and he was seemingly already winning the job over Darnold in the preseason.

I've watched both pressers. He was diplomatic about ARod. He was less diplomatic the 2nd presser and you can tell he's getting annoyed with the question.

 

[irish eyes]

Has there ever been a more unlikeable jerk in the league. Please please go away captain narcissist.

 

[menobrown]

Why anyone would want an over the hill QB with the baggage/drama Rodgers brings is beyond me

Confucius say QB coming down hill on higher ground then QB who can't climb it.

 

[Desert_Power]

I still think the Vikings make the most sense for Rodgers but don’t claim to understand the money part. He would be an upgrade from Darnold assuming he could work with OKC. I can’t imagine they’re going to trust a first year guy with that team. I have to admit I watched very little of Rodgers last season so maybe don’t appreciate the decline people are seeing.

I'm three weeks late to the party here, but reading between the lines of Kwesi's press conference, I came away with the impression that Aaron Rodgers is very much still in play to be signed by the Vikings. I was not expecting that door to be left as open as it was by Kwesi.

I'm skeptical that the remaining cap space wouldn't be better spent at other positions, not to mention the riff that they might be creating with their qb of the future. But these are the facts:

1. they're in win-now mode
2. the GM hasn't been extended
3. their current medical redshirt starter didn't survive his first game of preseason football
4. the current backup is Brett Rypien
5. KOC has a good relationship with Rodgers
6. there was no pivot to one of the more established backups when Daniel Jones didn't resign. This should have been more of a priority if McCarthy was truly plan A.

I'm not saying it's a foregone conclusion, but Minnesota is where I'm placing my bets.

Thanks. Do you have a link and what are the quotes that have you thinking this?

Rodgers in MIN would be interesting. I do think it could be a negative and distraction for McCarthy though.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

2:40 Beginning of QB discussion
3:50-7:55 Asked about Rodgers.
11:10 Back to QB discussion. Reference to compensation picks
11:40 Back to Rodgers "It's ultimately up to him." "Hard to talk about a player that isn't under contract for this team."
14:45 More Rodgers, "Kwesi, can you say definitively that the door is closed on Rodgers? It sounds like it was ultimately his decision?" KWESI: I don't know that I said that it was ultimately his decision. Not the right decision AT THIS TIME. Right now, really happy with our room (McCarthy & Rypien), going to look to upgrade it in different ways.

In general, an awful lot of beating around the bush for a guy that isn't being considered. "RIGHT NOW, we're happy with our room." , and then launching into Brett Rypien. More than anything, why would they not declare McCarthy as this team's QB? What backup QB is out that there that might beat him out for the week 1 job? Brissett?

It really would be a perfect fit if Rodgers wasn't such a malignant narcissist or accepted coaching.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Just way too much hemming and hawing on the Rodgers question in that press conference to think that it's not still under consideration.

They have neither hemmed nor hawed - the GM was extremely clear that JJM is operating at a level that they're comfortable with. They traded up on the draft, and he was seemingly already winning the job over Darnold in the preseason.

I've watched both pressers. He was diplomatic about ARod. He was less diplomatic the 2nd presser and you can tell he's getting annoyed with the question.

This seems insane to me. They have a superbowl ready team that was let down by their QB in the playoffs last season and they’re going to rely on a guy who’s never thrown a pass in the NFL. Personally I love it as a Packer fan. I’d be terrified if they brought in Rodgers. Admittedly, I’m also drawn to this possibility by the off-the-charts entertainment factor.

 

[JohnnyU]

I still think the Vikings make the most sense for Rodgers but don’t claim to understand the money part. He would be an upgrade from Darnold assuming he could work with OKC. I can’t imagine they’re going to trust a first year guy with that team. I have to admit I watched very little of Rodgers last season so maybe don’t appreciate the decline people are seeing.

I'm three weeks late to the party here, but reading between the lines of Kwesi's press conference, I came away with the impression that Aaron Rodgers is very much still in play to be signed by the Vikings. I was not expecting that door to be left as open as it was by Kwesi.

I'm skeptical that the remaining cap space wouldn't be better spent at other positions, not to mention the riff that they might be creating with their qb of the future. But these are the facts:

1. they're in win-now mode
2. the GM hasn't been extended
3. their current medical redshirt starter didn't survive his first game of preseason football
4. the current backup is Brett Rypien
5. KOC has a good relationship with Rodgers
6. there was no pivot to one of the more established backups when Daniel Jones didn't resign. This should have been more of a priority if McCarthy was truly plan A.

I'm not saying it's a foregone conclusion, but Minnesota is where I'm placing my bets.

Thanks. Do you have a link and what are the quotes that have you thinking this?

Rodgers in MIN would be interesting. I do think it could be a negative and distraction for McCarthy though.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

2:40 Beginning of QB discussion
3:50-7:55 Asked about Rodgers.
11:10 Back to QB discussion. Reference to compensation picks
11:40 Back to Rodgers "It's ultimately up to him." "Hard to talk about a player that isn't under contract for this team."
14:45 More Rodgers, "Kwesi, can you say definitively that the door is closed on Rodgers? It sounds like it was ultimately his decision?" KWESI: I don't know that I said that it was ultimately his decision. Not the right decision AT THIS TIME. Right now, really happy with our room (McCarthy & Rypien), going to look to upgrade it in different ways.

In general, an awful lot of beating around the bush for a guy that isn't being considered. "RIGHT NOW, we're happy with our room." , and then launching into Brett Rypien. More than anything, why would they not declare McCarthy as this team's QB? What backup QB is out that there that might beat him out for the week 1 job? Brissett?

It really would be a perfect fit if Rodgers wasn't such a malignant narcissist or accepted coaching.

Leave him alone

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Just way too much hemming and hawing on the Rodgers question in that press conference to think that it's not still under consideration.

They have neither hemmed nor hawed - the GM was extremely clear that JJM is operating at a level that they're comfortable with. They traded up on the draft, and he was seemingly already winning the job over Darnold in the preseason.

I've watched both pressers. He was diplomatic about ARod. He was less diplomatic the 2nd presser and you can tell he's getting annoyed with the question.

What was the second presser? There was a 19-minute draft preview that came out today, but I can't say anything really stood out. The one from three weeks ago, I'll have to respectfully disagree. It's pretty easy to flatly shut down the Rodgers discussion and proclaim that "JJ is our guy", "We're really excited for what JJ can do in 2025", even if you don't want to name him the starter. That might have been the smarter play for Kwesi even if he did have interest. However, I didn't catch that part. Instead, I heard about always looking to upgrade the QB room. The value of competition and having two guys that can push each other like Sam and J.J. last year. Is JJ and Brett supposed to be this year's version of that? What kind of an upgrade are we zeroing in on at this point? Drafting a developmental guy late?

Is Kwesi happy with JJ? Absolutely. Is JJ checking every box and doing everything that has been asked of him? Absolutely. I might not love it as a Vikings fan, but that doesn't mean that Rodgers wouldn't be brought in if there was any thought that he might give them a slightly better chance over a redshirt that didn't actually get to practice with the team for most of his rookie season.

Signing Rodgers also wouldn't be an admission that JJ isn't the guy to take the reigns in 2026 or later in 2025 when called upon. It's a violent game and the Vikings are set up to win now. It's a hell of a lot better turning things over to a JJ McCarthy when a QB injury strikes than Brett Rypien. If it's the latter, the narrative on McCarthy is that he's made of glass. Combined with the rest of Kwesi's draft selections, I would imagine he's toast at that point. For this reason alone, Rodgers as the #1 with McCarthy in the wings might be attractive to Kwesi. He stays around for as long as the verdict is still out on McCarthy.