The worst-kept secret within the NFL is lastly official: Aaron Rodgers is a Pittsburgh Steeler.
The 41-year-old has penned a one-year take care of Mike Tomlin’s facet, ending months of hypothesis, and is predicted to fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow and be a part of his new teammates at subsequent week’s minicamp.
After being launched from the New York Jets earlier this summer season, Rodgers took his time, considering a twenty first NFL season or retirement, however has lastly dedicated to the Steelers.
Mockingly, he’s set to make his Steelers debut towards the Jets on September seventh, in what’s already shaping as much as be a must-watch week one showdown, with Justin Fields now main the Jets towards the very crew he suited up for final season.
A legacy looking for redemption
Rodgers is finest remembered for his time with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, the place he spent 18 seasons, accumulating 4 MVP awards and a Tremendous Bowl title.
However after a forgettable two-year stint in New York, affected by accidents and inconsistencies, the veteran quarterback will hope to rekindle a few of his early profession type in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers can be by far probably the most achieved quarterback the Steelers have had since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and he’ll intention to information the franchise to its first playoff win since 2017.
Does Rodgers match the Steelers’ type?
There isn’t any doubt about Rodgers’ capability, however does he match the Steelers’ offence?
Mike Tomlin has spoken in regards to the significance of the run sport since hiring offensive coordinator Arthur Smith a 12 months in the past, however Rodgers tried the second-most passes within the NFL final season.
To go together with that, the Steelers acquired vast receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks within the offseason, identified for his deep-threat capability; nonetheless, Rodgers averaged simply 6.6 air yards final season, rating thirty second within the NFL.
Mobility is actually one other concern. Rodgers was sacked 40 instances final 12 months and rushed for simply 94 yards in a league that dual-threat quarterbacks more and more dominate. The veteran’s pocket-bound type might really feel dated, and we noticed glimpses of that in New York.
Did another groups need Rodgers?
Though a transfer to Pittsburgh appeared inevitable, different groups additionally confirmed curiosity within the veteran.
The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants had been among the many groups with an curiosity however opted to take different choices.
The Giants signed Russell Wilson in free company, whereas the Vikings are placing full religion of their 2024 first-round choose, J.J. McCarthy, who’s coming off a meniscus tear that sidelined him for everything of final season.
Rodgers will hope to show these groups unsuitable, whereas exhibiting he nonetheless has the traits to be a reliable NFL quarterback in 2025.
