QB Aaron Rodgers, PIT (4 Viewers)

[Hot Sauce Guy]

What would you do at QB if you were handed control of the Steelers today?

1. Probably draft a QB this year to compete with Mason Rudolph, or maybe pursue someone like Tannehill (who doesn’t have the off-field issues) or maybe both. They had Dart teed up for them, but instead took a DT and let Dart slide to NYG.

2. Run out whoever wins the camp battle and call this year a development year. If it’s Dart, he gets good reps, and the Steelers get a better pick next year.

3. Literally anything but wait with bated breath to see whether a 41 y/o ARod wants to play football or not. It borders on madness to me that they didn’t draft a QB regardless, because even if ARod pulls a rabbit out of his *** and has a magical season, what are the chances that he does so again in 2026? Pretty slim I’d suggest.

They could have also been more proactive & tried to sign Flacco, or they could check on Tyler Huntley, or any number of other not flakey QBs to fill out their QB room.

I suppose Tannehill or Huntley are options as a contingency if ARod decides to go on more ayahuasca retreats or whatever instead of playing football this year, but as others have suggested, I’m struggling to understand why Rodgers is worth waiting for in the 1st place.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

@Hot Sauce Guy we've repeatedly asked people not to use the laugh emoji to laugh at other posters posts. Please stop. If you have a different opinion, say it and why. But leave the cheap laughing at emoji's off. We removed the emoji in the past because people couldn't stop doing this. The sentiment was we should suspend the posters unable to be cool with this.

I found it amusing that you deleted my post, then misrepresented what my post was.

I (some people) was not “making it political”, I was specifying in detail what the off-field distractions were with ARod.

I found it difficult to understand the difference between that, and generically saying “off field issues”.

Sorry you interpreted it as my using the laugh inappropriately. I genuinely thought that was funny. My bad. Won’t happen again.

 

[Joe Bryant]

What would you do at QB if you were handed control of the Steelers today?

1. Probably draft a QB this year to compete with Mason Rudolph, or maybe pursue someone like Tannehill (who doesn’t have the off-field issues) or maybe both. They had Dart teed up for them, but instead took a DT and let Dart slide to NYG.

2. Run out whoever wins the camp battle and call this year a development year. If it’s Dart, he gets good reps, and the Steelers get a better pick next year.

3. Literally anything but wait with bated breath to see whether a 41 y/o ARod wants to play football or not. It borders on madness to me that they didn’t draft a QB regardless, because even if ARod pulls a rabbit out of his *** and has a magical season, what are the chances that he does so again in 2026? Pretty slim I’d suggest.

They could have also been more proactive & tried to sign Flacco, or they could check on Tyler Huntley, or any number of other not flakey QBs to fill out their QB room.

I suppose Tannehill or Huntley are options as a contingency if ARod decides to go on more ayahuasca retreats or whatever instead of playing football this year, but as others have suggested, I’m struggling to understand why Rodgers is worth waiting for in the 1st place.

Thanks. I would much rather try Rodgers than Dart/Flacco/Tannehill/Huntley/Rudolph. But different opinions are what makes the game fun.

I think part of the logic is I at least know Rodgers has consistently been very good to great in the memorable past. For those other guys, being very good to great is something they've never been able to be consistently at this level.

Now, it's entirely possible Rodgers never gets back to there again. But at least we've seen it. I think that may be the biggest difference in viewing it.

 

[osubuckeyeman]

So, the Steelers get Aaron and win nine or ten games. Then what? They go to the playoffs and even win a playoff game. Then what? This has to be a Super Bowl win to make the commitment worth it.

You're rolling with a 42-year-old quarterback next season and still not in a position to draft your next quarterback. I do not understand why any team would bring Rodgers in as a starter. You do an injustice to your team and fan base by continuing to bandage the quarterback situation. Rip off the bandage. Take the pain and go get your future, or at least try.

I know because I lived this with the Bengals. Andy Dalton was just good enough not to win it all. This went on for years,

I'd guess they're looking at it from a right now window. Rodgers would likely be a 1 year answer, maybe 2 at most.

But at this point, they're not thinking about theoretical scenarios. They're looking at the season opener 4 months away and thinking about this season.

But yes, that "just barely good enough" QB is a tough spot to be in.

With OTAs starting and training camp looming, the Steelers don't know who their quarterback is. Let's say they feel 98% sure Rodgers is signing with them, and all of a sudden, JJ falls down his steps, hurts himself again, and is out for 2026, so the Vikings sign Rodgers. Then what? If the front office is not looking at the possibility that Aaron Rodgers, for whatever reason, does not sign with the Steelers, then what? Not to mention what I already mentioned in my previous post. The job of every front office is to look at all the theoretical scenarios.

Let's call it as it is. The Steelers are making a terrible mistake, outside of winning a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, but as a Bengals fan, it makes me smile. Trust me, I'm rooting for the Steelers to win just enough games to be relevant.

 

[Joe Bryant]

@Hot Sauce Guy we've repeatedly asked people not to use the laugh emoji to laugh at other posters posts. Please stop. If you have a different opinion, say it and why. But leave the cheap laughing at emoji's off. We removed the emoji in the past because people couldn't stop doing this. The sentiment was we should suspend the posters unable to be cool with this.

I found it amusing that you deleted my post, then misrepresented what my post was.

I (some people) was not “making it political”, I was specifying in detail what the off-field distractions were with ARod.

I found it difficult to understand the difference between that, and generically saying “off field issues”.

Sorry you interpreted it as my using the laugh inappropriately. I genuinely thought that was funny. My bad. Won’t happen again.

Didn't misinterpret anything. Calling people a nut or crazy is miles from generically saying “off field issues”.

Good to hear you understand not using the emoji again.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Thanks. I would much rather try Rodgers than Dart/Flacco/Tannehill/Huntley/Rudolph. But different opinions are what makes the game fun.

But why? What good comes of running out the ghost of Aaron Rodgers’ past?

Do you honestly believe he’s going to steward a team to the Super Bowl?

Isn’t that the goal of every football team?

I think part of the logic is I at least know Rodgers has consistently been very good to great in the memorable past. For those other guys, being very good to great is something they've never been able to be consistently at this level.

Dart is a rookie - so that’s… a strange thing to say.

Now, it's entirely possible Rodgers never gets back to there again. But at least we've seen it. I think that may be the biggest difference in viewing it.

Again, to what end? And how does that help the Steelers long-term, especially if we agree it doesn’t solve the issue short term? Or are we not in agreement about that?

Do you believe they’re an Aaron Rodgers away from SB contention?

 

[sm8680]

And for sure, everyone is welcome to reply to the question of, "What would you do at QB if you were handed control of the Steelers today?"

Joe, I fed AI. Come up with something cute about how Joe Bryant is very good at getting people to post more. Here's what it came up with.

Joe Bryant? The ultimate posting puppet master? The social media whisperer? The content cult leader who convinces unsuspecting souls to overshare their lunch, thoughts, and questionable life choices. If posting were a sport, he’d be the undefeated coach of compulsive posters.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Let's call it as it is. The Steelers are making a terrible mistake

I don’t think you’re on an island with this take

I agree, and moreover, numerous NFL analysts have opined similarly.

It’s like a rudderless ship waiting desperately for a once-great captain to steward them to glory - but even if that comes to pass, they’re still, well, rudderless.

It’s a bizarre situation - I actually can’t recall a similar situation in the past. To your point, it seems like organizational malpractice to not have other options in-house already. Unless Mason Rudolph is plan B?

Drafting Dart might have had more upside, IMO.

 

[Chaka]

I'm also assuming they are operating like pretty much every franchise in knowing they must have a viable QB to be competitive. And those are few and far between. If Rodgers can be viable with flashes here and there of his former elite level play, I'm guessing they think he's worth a shot.

This is the part that I really don't understand. It seemed that from the very beginning the Steelers were the frontrunner for Rodgers. I don't think they were associated with any other QB at any point this off-season.

Rodgers may be better a year removed from his Achilles injury but... considering the inherent distraction he brings with him is he really that much better than Wilson, Darnold & Geno? Or, heaven forbid, Shedeur or any of the other rookie QBs they had an opportunity to draft.

I just don't understand why the Steelers, of all organizations were like "Yeah, sign me up for a piece of that!!!"

 

[sm8680]

I'm also assuming they are operating like pretty much every franchise in knowing they must have a viable QB to be competitive. And those are few and far between. If Rodgers can be viable with flashes here and there of his former elite level play, I'm guessing they think he's worth a shot.

This is the part that I really don't understand. It seemed that from the very beginning the Steelers were the frontrunner for Rodgers. I don't think they were associated with any other QB at any point this off-season.

Rodgers may be better a year removed from his Achilles injury but... considering the inherent distraction he brings with him is he really that much better than Wilson, Darnold & Geno? Or, heaven forbid, Shedeur or any of the other rookie QBs they had an opportunity to draft.

I just don't understand why the Steelers, of all organizations were like "Yeah, sign me up for a piece of that!!!"

Honestly, the Steelers, in my opinion, were stuck. It’s like picking teams for kickball in grade school except here, you look around and realize you’re stuck with the 41-year-old. The Steelers got played by Brandon Aiyuk, and to me, it reeks of desperation.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I'm also assuming they are operating like pretty much every franchise in knowing they must have a viable QB to be competitive. And those are few and far between. If Rodgers can be viable with flashes here and there of his former elite level play, I'm guessing they think he's worth a shot.

This is the part that I really don't understand. It seemed that from the very beginning the Steelers were the frontrunner for Rodgers. I don't think they were associated with any other QB at any point this off-season.

Rodgers may be better a year removed from his Achilles injury but... considering the inherent distraction he brings with him is he really that much better than Wilson, Darnold & Geno? Or, heaven forbid, Shedeur or any of the other rookie QBs they had an opportunity to draft.

I just don't understand why the Steelers, of all organizations were like "Yeah, sign me up for a piece of that!!!"

All of this. Every bit of it. It isn’t very Steelers-like.

Is ownership pushing for this? Art Rooney II at 72 pushing his chips all-in on ARod?

I cannot imagine Tomlin being the one to go to ownership saying “this is the guy - we need Rodgers to win!” especially after dealing with Russ Wilson.

They could have signed Fields to start and at least had youth and upside.

It’s all so weird.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Honestly, the Steelers, in my opinion, were stuck. It’s like picking teams for kickball in grade school except here, you look around and realize you’re stuck with the 41-year-old. The Steelers got played by Brandon Aiyuk, and to me, it reeks of desperation.

So why not avoid it all by singing Russ or Fields? They were both in-house already. That set themselves up to be the last ones standing when the music stopped, then doubled, tripled, and quadrupled down on it by not drafting a QB - how many did they pass up on besides Dart? They passed on Sanders what, 4 times? 5?

incredible.

 

[Chaka]

I'm also assuming they are operating like pretty much every franchise in knowing they must have a viable QB to be competitive. And those are few and far between. If Rodgers can be viable with flashes here and there of his former elite level play, I'm guessing they think he's worth a shot.

This is the part that I really don't understand. It seemed that from the very beginning the Steelers were the frontrunner for Rodgers. I don't think they were associated with any other QB at any point this off-season.

Rodgers may be better a year removed from his Achilles injury but... considering the inherent distraction he brings with him is he really that much better than Wilson, Darnold & Geno? Or, heaven forbid, Shedeur or any of the other rookie QBs they had an opportunity to draft.

I just don't understand why the Steelers, of all organizations were like "Yeah, sign me up for a piece of that!!!"

Honestly, the Steelers, in my opinion, were stuck. It’s like picking teams for kickball in grade school except here, you look around and realize you’re stuck with the 41-year-old. The Steelers got played by Brandon Aiyuk, and to me, it reeks of desperation.

I guess but, they had Fields & Wilson in house. Shedeur, Dart, Shough & Dillon we're all there for them. All of them were "free options".

Darnold was known to be available to everyone. Geno was a bit of a surprise but, as my mother always says; if you don't A.S.K. you don't G.E.T. and it doesn't look like the Steelers asked.*

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that for the first time in memory of the Steelers organization Ownership put out a mandate on a player personnel decision.

I have always viewed the Steelers as the Gold Standard of patience and allowing your football people to do their jobs.

My guess is Rooney wanted Rodgers from the jump and, at this point there isn't a Plan B.


*To be fair I recall there was a brief link between the Steelers and Trevor Lawrence but I viewed that as off-season click bait.

 

[sm8680]

Honestly, the Steelers, in my opinion, were stuck. It’s like picking teams for kickball in grade school except here, you look around and realize you’re stuck with the 41-year-old. The Steelers got played by Brandon Aiyuk, and to me, it reeks of desperation.

So why not avoid it all by singing Russ or Fields? They were both in-house already. That set themselves up to be the last ones standing when the music stopped, then doubled, tripled, and quadrupled down on it by not drafting a QB - how many did they pass up on besides Dart? They passed on Sanders what, 4 times? 5?

incredible.

I'd have kept Justin Fields. But then I'd of never benched him. Justin was showing improvements in his progressions. But the thing that concerned me with Justin is at times he goofs on the snap. Like his brain is already thinking too far ahead into the play. Once Justin left for a coach who believed in him. The Steelers should have drafted Shedeur. But they were high on Will Howard. Will could be one of the steals of the draft. I feel like I've been brainwashed

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I guess but, they had Fields & Wilson in house. Shedeur, Dart, Shough & Dillon we're all there for them.

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that for the first time in memory of the Steelers organization Ownership put out a mandate on a player personnel decision.

I have always viewed the Steelers as the Gold Standard of patience and allowing your football people to do their jobs.

My guess is Rooney wanted Rodgers from the jump and, at this point there isn't a Plan B.

We posted almost the same thing at almost the same time. Jinx!

 

[Chaka]

Honestly, the Steelers, in my opinion, were stuck. It’s like picking teams for kickball in grade school except here, you look around and realize you’re stuck with the 41-year-old. The Steelers got played by Brandon Aiyuk, and to me, it reeks of desperation.

So why not avoid it all by singing Russ or Fields? They were both in-house already. That set themselves up to be the last ones standing when the music stopped, then doubled, tripled, and quadrupled down on it by not drafting a QB - how many did they pass up on besides Dart? They passed on Sanders what, 4 times? 5?

incredible.

And Shough (sp?) and Dillon.

 

[Chaka]

I'm also assuming they are operating like pretty much every franchise in knowing they must have a viable QB to be competitive. And those are few and far between. If Rodgers can be viable with flashes here and there of his former elite level play, I'm guessing they think he's worth a shot.

This is the part that I really don't understand. It seemed that from the very beginning the Steelers were the frontrunner for Rodgers. I don't think they were associated with any other QB at any point this off-season.

Rodgers may be better a year removed from his Achilles injury but... considering the inherent distraction he brings with him is he really that much better than Wilson, Darnold & Geno? Or, heaven forbid, Shedeur or any of the other rookie QBs they had an opportunity to draft.

I just don't understand why the Steelers, of all organizations were like "Yeah, sign me up for a piece of that!!!"

All of this. Every bit of it. It isn’t very Steelers-like.

Is ownership pushing for this? Art Rooney II at 72 pushing his chips all-in on ARod?

I cannot imagine Tomlin being the one to go to ownership saying “this is the guy - we need Rodgers to win!” especially after dealing with Russ Wilson.

They could have signed Fields to start and at least had youth and upside.

It’s all so weird.

Clearly we're on the same page here. You beat me to the punch twice.

 

[Chaka]

I guess but, they had Fields & Wilson in house. Shedeur, Dart, Shough & Dillon we're all there for them.

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that for the first time in memory of the Steelers organization Ownership put out a mandate on a player personnel decision.

I have always viewed the Steelers as the Gold Standard of patience and allowing your football people to do their jobs.

My guess is Rooney wanted Rodgers from the jump and, at this point there isn't a Plan B.

We posted almost the same thing at almost the same time. Jinx!

Three times!!!

I guess I owe you a Coke.

 

[sm8680]

The Seahawks pulled off absolute ingenuity. They traded Geno for draft capital, then signed Darnold before free agency pure strategy . Then they flipped DJ Metcalf for even more assets and brought in Cooper Kupp to fill the gap. Gotta love how they played the market!

 

[Chaka]

Honestly, the Steelers, in my opinion, were stuck. It’s like picking teams for kickball in grade school except here, you look around and realize you’re stuck with the 41-year-old. The Steelers got played by Brandon Aiyuk, and to me, it reeks of desperation.

So why not avoid it all by singing Russ or Fields? They were both in-house already. That set themselves up to be the last ones standing when the music stopped, then doubled, tripled, and quadrupled down on it by not drafting a QB - how many did they pass up on besides Dart? They passed on Sanders what, 4 times? 5?

incredible.

I'd have kept Justin Fields. But then I'd of never benched him. Justin was showing improvements in his progressions. But the thing that concerned me with Justin is at times he goofs on the snap. Like his brain is already thinking too far ahead into the play. Once Justin left for a coach who believed in him. The Steelers should have drafted Shedeur. But they were high on Will Howard. Will could be one of the steals of the draft. I feel like I've been brainwashed

I would have kept Fields too, or Wilson.

Fields will probably never be what we all hope he could be, but it feels like he's worth a shot considering the massive upside. And the Steelers have a strong history of patience, at least with coaches and it has always paid off.

Wilson, IMO, is easily the QB Rodgers is at this point. Wilson brings his own level of distraction, for sure, but nothing comparable to the baggage Rodgers brings with him.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

And Shough (sp?) and Dillon.

Right.

And if none of those guys were “their guys”, ok that’s fine. Run out Rudolph and hope for the best. Or find some non-problematic, not 41 y/o. Am I ageist? Maybe a little. I’m more anti-diminishing skills.

Also, not for nuthin, I think Joe disrespects *2023 pro bowl QB* Tyler Huntley above when he says they’ve never been consistent at this level.

Just sayin - the man took the Ravens to the playoffs. Maybe he’s that guy or maybe he’s not, but he hasn’t really had an extended look to find out. And the one time he did he won games.

I guess I owe you a Coke.

Coke Zero please - I’m off sugar.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The Seahawks pulled off absolute ingenuity. They traded Geno for draft capital, then signed Darnold before free agency pure strategy . Then they flipped DJ Metcalf for even more assets and brought in Cooper Kupp to fill the gap. Gotta love how they played the market!

Yeah, mad respect for that front office. That’s a heck of a set of moves mile-high perspective.

 

[Chaka]

And Shough (sp?) and Dillon.

Right.

And if none of those guys were “their guys”, ok that’s fine. Run out Rudolph and hope for the best. Or find some non-problematic, not 41 y/o. Am I ageist? Maybe a little. I’m more anti-diminishing skills.

Also, not for nuthin, I think Joe disrespects *2023 pro bowl QB* Tyler Huntley above when he says they’ve never been consistent at this level.

Just sayin - the man took the Ravens to the playoffs. Maybe he’s that guy or maybe he’s not, but he hasn’t really had an extended look to find out. And the one time he did he won games.

I guess I owe you a Coke.

Coke Zero please - I’m off sugar.

To be fair, Rodgers isn't a Steelers at this point so, maybe they do decide to run with Rudolph.


Coke Zero is an abomination. If I must, can we compromise on a Coke Zero cuba libre?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Let's call it as it is. The Steelers are making a terrible mistake

I don’t think you’re on an island with this take

I agree, and moreover, numerous NFL analysts have opined similarly.

It’s like a rudderless ship waiting desperately for a once-great captain to steward them to glory - but even if that comes to pass, they’re still, well, rudderless.

It’s a bizarre situation - I actually can’t recall a similar situation in the past. To your point, it seems like organizational malpractice to not have other options in-house already. Unless Mason Rudolph is plan B?

Drafting Dart might have had more upside, IMO.

Oh for sure not on an island. I'd say most people think here think it's a terrible mistake.

 

[Football Jones]

I'm sure ARod is wanting a ring and the best way to do that right now is to play for a team with a legit chance to win it all. Is it the Steelers? I doubt it.

There's more than a 0% chance he could end up in Minnesota. The Vikings are title-ready except for the unknown at QB. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that KOC would give Rodgers a call (they're good friends, after all). I don't believe Minnesota ever totally ruled it out (simply saying 'we believe in JJ'). What if McCarthy struggles?

For all we know, ARod is in tip-top shape. It's silly to think a QB with his experience couldn't get up to speed pretty quickly in any offense. Maybe he waits for an injury. Plenty of other QBs have done it. It's no different because he's somebody who has a lot of detractors, especially due to off-field stuff.

Rodgers doesn't owe anyone jackpoo. The Steelers have the right to move on and I'm sure he's aware of that. ACR is playing his cards and he's got every right to do that on his own timeline. This isn't rocket science.

Agreed. I have zero inside info but it does feel like the possibility of Minnesota, even if remote, is a factor in the delay. I can see that.

Making sure the fantastic option isn't possible before accepting an ok option or retiring is simply the smart gameplay move.

The player clearly seems to be trying to do what's best for his situation within the rules of free agency. Sometimes that's not popular.

In this case, I can see why he'd want to be certain a dream situation in Minnesota was for sure not possible.

JJ McCarthy is the starting QB for the Vikings.

Sure every QB under the sun reportedly wants to play for the Vikings.

But the Vikings already have their QBs for 2025.

I expect better than this from you Joe.

I was super clear to stress it was remote. It's my understanding there is still some private talk the window is not 100% completely shut. But it may well be.

Yeah, it's wild to me people think the Vikings bringing in Rodgers is out of the question in what is a clear Super Bowl window. We're aren't talking about Pat Mahomes here...this is JJ McCarthy, lol. Nobody knows exactly what he is right now.

I'm not sure what the threshold is for bringing ARod in, but if JJ looks like he can't get it done (at whatever point), "the call" is likely being made should Rodgers still be available. There's an avenue where the Vikings could use Rodgers and McCarthy still be the future. Both things can be true.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And if none of those guys were “their guys”, ok that’s fine. Run out Rudolph and hope for the best. Or find some non-problematic, not 41 y/o. Am I ageist? Maybe a little. I’m more anti-diminishing skills.

Also, not for nuthin, I think Joe disrespects *2023 pro bowl QB* Tyler Huntley above when he says they’ve never been consistent at this level.

And that is the choice. I wouldn't run out Rudolph there. That's where we disagree and that's fine.

And for sure Huntley hasn't demonstrated being consistently good to great in my opinion.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

If I must, can we compromise on a Coke Zero cuba libre?

Deal!

 

[sm8680]

And for sure, everyone is welcome to reply to the question of, "What would you do at QB if you were handed control of the Steelers today?"

Establish a QB-Friendly System: You can't tell me that when Aaron Rodgers visited Pittsburgh, he didn't voice some concerns or, perhaps more appropriately, make some suggestions. His experience alone should shape some of the team's offensive decisions.

The QB Situation: The starter is Mason Rudolph at least until Aaron shows up after mandatory minicamp. Heck, I can even see Aaron holding out through the preseason just to keep everyone on edge.

Evaluate the Current QB Room: Let’s be honest absolute rubbish. And yet, people are somehow pinning their hopes on Will Howard.

Fortify the Offensive Line: Fautanu and Broderick Jones need to step up in a big way this season. Losing key guys in free agency has left the trenches in rough shape, and without strong protection, it won’t matter who’s under center.

Look to the 2025 Draft for a QB: If Will Howard doesn’t show promise, the Steelers need to be aggressive in finding their future quarterback. But let’s be real that’s a lot to ask of a rookie.

Let the Defense Dominate: This is the part of the Steelers that concerns me most their aging defense. The Steel Curtain can’t afford to look worn down, or the whole team will suffer.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I'm also assuming they are operating like pretty much every franchise in knowing they must have a viable QB to be competitive. And those are few and far between. If Rodgers can be viable with flashes here and there of his former elite level play, I'm guessing they think he's worth a shot.

This is the part that I really don't understand. It seemed that from the very beginning the Steelers were the frontrunner for Rodgers. I don't think they were associated with any other QB at any point this off-season.

Rodgers may be better a year removed from his Achilles injury but... considering the inherent distraction he brings with him is he really that much better than Wilson, Darnold & Geno? Or, heaven forbid, Shedeur or any of the other rookie QBs they had an opportunity to draft.

I just don't understand why the Steelers, of all organizations were like "Yeah, sign me up for a piece of that!!!"

All of this. Every bit of it. It isn’t very Steelers-like.

Is ownership pushing for this? Art Rooney II at 72 pushing his chips all-in on ARod?

I cannot imagine Tomlin being the one to go to ownership saying “this is the guy - we need Rodgers to win!” especially after dealing with Russ Wilson.

They could have signed Fields to start and at least had youth and upside.

It’s all so weird.

I probably lean too much on front office football people, but I put a lot of stock in the people who work with these guys every day and see them up close and how they operate in practice and in the facility,

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

And that is the choice. I wouldn't run out Rudolph there. That's where we disagree and that's fine.

I probably wouldn’t either.

My first choice for them would have been to draft a QB. Anything short of drafting a QB (especially with Dart teed up for them) seems like a bad move.

I was only suggesting running out Mason Rudolph as a “emergency break glass punt on the season” move.

And for sure Huntley hasn't demonstrated being consistently good to great in my opinion.

That was said somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I don’t think Huntley is great either, so we agree there.

 

[Anarchy99]

IMO, PIT has to have an agreement with AR to come in at a later date. They have to. No way would they have let every notable free agent sign elsewhere and then not even draft someone unless they knew Rodgers was their guy. I think that’s a bad strategy, as one would think that every rep on offense should be with the new guy, but apparently PIT is down with it. The Steelers aren’t even hedging by bringing in another option just in case. I’m not buying the narrative that they are waiting for Rodgers to figure it out. If there was a chance he wasn’t signing with PIT, they would have explored other options . . . and they haven’t.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I probably lean too much on front office football people, but I put a lot of stock in the people who work with these guys every day and see them up close and how they operate in practice and in the facility,

This seems like an incomplete thought.

What conclusion do you draw in your “leaning too much on front office people” from their daily work and up-close views?

Is this about Russ or Fields? Or both? Sorry, I'm not sure how the paragraph above relates to the current discussion.

 

[Joe Bryant]

We're aren't talking about Pat Mahomes here...this is JJ McCarthy, lol.

Not just JJ McCarthy. JJ McCarthy off a major surgery.

He could well be the next great young QB. We'll see.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

IMO, PIT has to have an agreement with AR to come in at a later date. They have to. No way would they have let every notable free agent sign elsewhere and then not even draft someone unless they knew Rodgers was their guy. I think that’s a bad strategy, as one would think that every rep on offense should be with the new guy, but apparently PIT is down with it. The Steelers aren’t even hedging by bringing in another option just in case. I’m not buying the narrative that they are waiting for Rodgers to figure it out. If there was a chance he wasn’t signing with PIT, they would have explored other options . . . and they haven’t.

I’m with you on this being a mistake.

But I’m also not sure why they wouldn’t have explored other options *in addition to* 41 y/o ARod, secret handshake or otherwise.

Regardless of what old dude magic ARod might be able to conjure this season, he can’t be anyone’s long-term plan.

Wouldn’t it make sense to draft a rookie to develop while they try to squeeze that magic juice out of ARod for one last ride to glory?

That’s the part I find mystifying.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I probably lean too much on front office football people, but I put a lot of stock in the people who work with these guys every day and see them up close and how they operate in practice and in the facility,

This seems like an incomplete thought.

What conclusion do you draw in your “leaning too much on front office people” from their daily work and up-close views?

Is this about Russ or Fields? Or both? Sorry, I'm not sure how the paragraph above relates to the current discussion.

I'm not baffled or think it's weird when a team that sees Justin Fields up close every day decides to move off Fields. I think they likely have a better view of the player than I do seeing him every day.

 

[sm8680]

Aaron Rodg

IMO, PIT has to have an agreement with AR to come in at a later date. They have to. No way would they have let every notable free agent sign elsewhere and then not even draft someone unless they knew Rodgers was their guy. I think that’s a bad strategy, as one would think that every rep on offense should be with the new guy, but apparently PIT is down with it. The Steelers aren’t even hedging by bringing in another option just in case. I’m not buying the narrative that they are waiting for Rodgers to figure it out. If there was a chance he wasn’t signing with PIT, they would have explored other options . . . and they haven’t.

I get the logic, but it’s a risky strategy. If Rodgers was uncertain, Pittsburgh would’ve made another move, yet they haven’t. Betting everything on him showing up late could cause serious issues with offensive chemistry. If he does arrive, great, but if he doesn’t? The Steelers could be walking into the season completely unprepared. It’s one of the strangest offseason they’ve had. Are you fully convinced Rodgers is coming, or did Pittsburgh misplay this?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Not just JJ McCarthy. JJ McCarthy off a major surgery.

Wasn’t it just a torn meniscus?

I didn’t think we (the FF community & greater sports community at large) considered a meniscus a major surgery. I was under the impression it was fairly routine in the YooL 2025.

Some y’all like AI, and it says

Meniscus repair surgery is generally considered a relatively minor surgical procedure, especially when performed arthroscopically. It's a common procedure that addresses torn menisci in the knee

 

[osubuckeyeman]

And for sure, everyone is welcome to reply to the question of, "What would you do at QB if you were handed control of the Steelers today?"

For me, it would have depended on the Wilson and Fields plan from last year. I would have signed one of them. More than likely, that is Wilson because you already gave Fields a reason not to sign. That also was something I would not have done. Since the Steelers were winning, I would have stuck with Fields, but you made your call and went with Wilson. I would resign Wilson and use the 21st pick on Dart or Milroe. I like Dart, and I like Milroe in that range. I like the idea of a mobile QB in today's NFL. I like the RPO option, stressing the defense, gaining a one-man advantage at the line of scrimmage, and helping the rushing game for the same reason. There, of course, is a lot I do not know. The salary cap situation affects other contracts for other players' future and present, but I think the Steelers can afford the rookie deal sitting at 21, and Wilson may cost you a 10-15 million range. If both Dart and Milroe are gone, it is Wilson and the rest for 2025. And we draw something new up for 2026, which might have a better class at QB. Should Wilson not want to sign, then you still roll with the draft plan and sign another free agent QB, or roll with the rookie and Rudolph and the rest.

I like Fields much more than Wilson at this point in their careers, so things would have been very different with me from last season. For this post, I'm going to say we would have signed Wilson because I don't think Fields intended to sign with the Steelers, no matter what, and I would have used the 21st overall pick on Dart or Milore. We would have Wilson and (Dart/Milroe)/Rudolph/Thompson as the decision maker going into camp. And since Dart was there, it would be Dart. Going into the draft with Wilson already signed, this would have been my directive. If I'm completely fair, I may have even moved up some to get Dart or Milore. I would not have gone nuts, though, since I figured one of them would have been there, should one of them have gone before 21, then I would have been working the phones to move up and get Dart or Milore. Getting one of them would have been key, though.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

It’s one of the strangest offseason they’ve had

It’s the strangest off-season I can remember any team having, like, ever.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Aaron Rodg

IMO, PIT has to have an agreement with AR to come in at a later date. They have to. No way would they have let every notable free agent sign elsewhere and then not even draft someone unless they knew Rodgers was their guy. I think that’s a bad strategy, as one would think that every rep on offense should be with the new guy, but apparently PIT is down with it. The Steelers aren’t even hedging by bringing in another option just in case. I’m not buying the narrative that they are waiting for Rodgers to figure it out. If there was a chance he wasn’t signing with PIT, they would have explored other options . . . and they haven’t.

I get the logic, but it’s a risky strategy. If Rodgers was uncertain, Pittsburgh would’ve made another move, yet they haven’t. Betting everything on him showing up late could cause serious issues with offensive chemistry. If he does arrive, great, but if he doesn’t? The Steelers could be walking into the season completely unprepared. It’s one of the strangest offseason they’ve had. Are you fully convinced Rodgers is coming, or did Pittsburgh misplay this?

For sure risky. When they didn't draft a QB, that led me to believe they had a pretty good confidence level they'd get Rodgers. The Steelers front office are pros and have been for a very long time.

It still of course could fall apart, but I think there's usually more to the story we all don't know in cases like this.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And for sure, everyone is welcome to reply to the question of, "What would you do at QB if you were handed control of the Steelers today?"

For me, it would have depended on the Wilson and Fields plan from last year. I would have signed one of them. More than likely, that is Wilson because you already gave Fields a reason not to sign. That also was something I would not have done. Since the Steelers were winning, I would have stuck with Fields, but you made your call and went with Wilson. I would resign Wilson and use the 21st pick on Dart or Milroe. I like Dart, and I like Milroe in that range. I like the idea of a mobile QB in today's NFL. I like the RPO option, stressing the defense, gaining a one-man advantage at the line of scrimmage, and helping the rushing game for the same reason. There, of course, is a lot I do not know. The salary cap situation affects other contracts for other players' future and present, but I think the Steelers can afford the rookie deal sitting at 21, and Wilson may cost you a 10-15 million range. If both Dart and Milroe are gone, it is Wilson and the rest for 2025. And we draw something new up for 2026, which might have a better class at QB. Should Wilson not want to sign, then you still roll with the draft plan and sign another free agent QB, or roll with the rookie and Rudolph and the rest.

I like Fields much more than Wilson at this point in their careers, so things would have been very different with me from last season. For this post, I'm going to say we would have signed Wilson because I don't think Fields intended to sign with the Steelers, no matter what, and I would have used the 21st overall pick on Dart or Milore. We would have Wilson and (Dart/Milroe)/Rudolph/Thompson as the decision maker going into camp. And since Dart was there, it would be Dart. Going into the draft with Wilson already signed, this would have been my directive. If I'm completely fair, I may have even moved up some to get Dart or Milore. I would not have gone nuts, though, since I figured one of them would have been there, should one of them have gone before 21, then I would have been working the phones to move up and get Dart or Milore. Getting one of them would have been key, though.

Cool. I still would rather have Rodgers but I can see the logic in your plan there.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Getting one of them would have been key, though.

100% agree here. Insane they didn’t draft a rookie to develop behind [insert old guy here]

 

[osubuckeyeman]

Not just JJ McCarthy. JJ McCarthy off a major surgery.

Wasn’t it just a torn meniscus?

I didn’t think we (the FF community & greater sports community at large) considered a meniscus a major surgery. I was under the impression it was fairly routine in the YooL 2025.

Some y’all like AI, and it says

Meniscus repair surgery is generally considered a relatively minor surgical procedure, especially when performed arthroscopically. It's a common procedure that addresses torn menisci in the knee

It depends on the tear, I suppose. If that is what it was, I assume he did the full repair, which is why he missed the season and was better for his long-term future.

 

[sm8680]

There are so many rumors out there.

The Steelers prioritized Aaron Rodgers over Justin Fields. OC Arthur Smith wanted Fields even felt he could win playoff games, but Mike Tomlin never fully backed him as the starter. Fields chose the Jets, who offered more guaranteed money, while Pittsburgh waited on Rodgers. If Rodgers doesn’t sign, they could be in a tough spot.

MT had Justin high on his draft board and even wanted to draft him.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Not just JJ McCarthy. JJ McCarthy off a major surgery.

Wasn’t it just a torn meniscus?

I didn’t think we (the FF community & greater sports community at large) considered a meniscus a major surgery. I was under the impression it was fairly routine in the YooL 2025.

Some y’all like AI, and it says

Meniscus repair surgery is generally considered a relatively minor surgical procedure, especially when performed arthroscopically. It's a common procedure that addresses torn menisci in the knee

Fully torn right meniscus. Major enough to have the injury in August and miss the entire season.

But expected to make a full recovery.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I assume he did the full repair, which is why he missed the season and was better for his long-term future.

That’s what I’d read. He later received a PRP injection to help with some swelling. That was the much speculated upon “second procedure” that turned out to be a nothing burger.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Fully torn right meniscus. Major enough to have the injury in August and miss the entire season

Yes the recovery timeline was long but the surgery wasn’t very new or particularly groundbreaking (unlike Aaron Rodgers Achilles midsubstance SpeedBridge, now that I think of it)

Anyway, tomato/tomahto. From everything I’ve read he’s completely healed from it, so it seems irrelevant at this point.

 

[sm8680]

If I were the Vikings' owner, signing Aaron would be a no-brainer he's a proven winner with the experience to back it up. His 2024 stats are right in line with JJ McCarthy’s 2025 projections, and with Minnesota’s offense, he should easily surpass them. It’s all about minimizing risk what if JJ hesitates under pressure or doesn’t live up to expectations? A veteran presence like Aaron eliminates that uncertainty.

Sam Howell as the backup potentially filling in as a starter is not the answer.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

If I were the Vikings' owner, signing Aaron would be a no-brainer he's a proven winner with the experience to back it up. His 2024 stats are right in line with JJ McCarthy’s 2025 projections, and with Minnesota’s offense, he should easily surpass them. It’s all about minimizing risk—what if JJ hesitates under pressure or doesn’t live up to expectations? A veteran presence like Aaron eliminates that uncertainty.

Sam Howell as the backup potentially filling in as a starter is not the answer.

They moved up to take JJM.

Bringing in ARod and not getting JJM reps is not at all a “no brainer” - they’d be squandering another cheap year of JJM’s deal, and wasting the draft capital they invested in him.

Respectfully disagree with that assertion. It would be a totally schizophrenic move for the Vikings to do this. From everything they’ve said, they’re all-in on JJM.

Also ARod wouldn’t want to be there as a backup, so there’s that.

 

[osubuckeyeman]

The Seahawks pulled off absolute ingenuity. They traded Geno for draft capital, then signed Darnold before free agency pure strategy . Then they flipped DJ Metcalf for even more assets and brought in Cooper Kupp to fill the gap. Gotta love how they played the market!

And got Milroe with a 3rd-round pick.