3 reasons why Aaron Rodgers could be the answer to Steelers’ woes

Two years ago when Aaron Rodgers left the Green Bay Packers to join the New York Jets, his fans were relieved as this meant putting an end to the yearly speculation surrounding his future and commitment to the team. However, things have come back full circle as Rodgers finds himself in the same spot seeking a new team to play on.

Despite Rodgers’ disappointing season with the Jets, other NFL teams are actively pursuing him. The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers are teams rumored to want to add him to their rosters. The latter, in particular, is expressing a strong interest in signing Aaron Rodgers.

After signing star receiver DK Metcalf and forming a dynamic offensive duo alongside George Pickens, the Steelers have not rushed in committing to Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. This is because they have their eyes locked on Aaron Rodgers.

Reports indicated that the team wanted to bring Justin Fields aboard initially but things have turned around quickly. Now, Mike Tomlin wants to bring Aaron Rodgers to lead his offense. With their latest additions, there is a good chance that the 41-year old quarterback will consider joining the AFC North team.

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers will be a great fit

Both ESPN and NFL Network reported that the Steelers intend to strongly pursue Rodgers. However, they are not willing to let Russell Wilson or Justin Fields walk just yet. Until he signs the contract, Mike Tomlin is not ready to sacrifice a veteran quarterback and a talented young star in exchange for the mere prospect of having Aaron Rodgers onboard.

It should not be surprising to see Rodgers in the yellow and black jersey next season. Here are three reasons why he will fit in perfectly with the team:

3. Aaron Rodgers is not washed

There are less than five quarterbacks in NFL history to have won four MVP awards, a Super Bowl, a Super Bowl MVP award, and made 10 Pro Bowls. Despite what the numbers say about Aaron Rodgers’ performance last season, he can still have a positive impact on a team such as the Steelers.

The quarterback had 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, ranked 25th in QBR, 30th in completion percentage, and 28th in yards per attempt amongst other starters. He deserves the blame for his performance but so does the Jets’ offensive line, the uncertainty, and lack of stability the team experienced throughout.

Pittsburgh can benefit greatly from Aaron Rodgers. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields proved that they can lead the Steelers to the playoffs but in order to cross the first round hump, the team will need to look a player of Rodgers’ skillset.

2. Mutual respect between Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers

If a star player does not respect their head coach, then the two will never achieve success. Mike Tomlin has been a winning coach in the NFL for 18 seasons, a record that is nearly impossible to replicate. He has learned to make the best out of any situation and that is a trait that Aaron Rodgers understands and respects.

Earlier in this season when the Steelers were facing the Jets. Tomlin played chess by shutting down the prospect of a Jets comeback in Week 7. Rodgers attempted to catch the Steelers defense unprepared when they had too many men on the field to earn the Jets a penalty which would automatically result in a first down.

However, despite the quarterback’s attempt to hurry the snap, Mike Tomlin outsmarted him as the referees blew the whistle announcing a Pittsburgh timeout. The coach gave him a smug smile and Rodgers could not help but respect this move.

Both these individuals have a footbal IQ that is off the charts. Tomlin is a great coach and Rodgers a great player. Both understand what each other bring to the table and to have them playing on the same side would prove to be disastrous to the other teams. That sense of mutual respect is one of the key reasons why Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a great pairing.

1. Rodgers represents the consistency Pittsburgh has lacked in its quarterbacks recently

The Steelers went 10-7 last season and led the AFC North at one point. However, one thing was certain, despite their regular season record and playoff qualification, this was a one-and-done team. That is what happened as they lost in the Wild Card Round.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields put the Steelers offense in a position to put enough points to narrowly win games. The former turned his career around after a rough tenure with the Broncos and showed the NFL that he is still worthy of being a starter in this league with his performance last season. However, Wilson did struggle with being consistent.

Pittsburgh’s offense was not their strong point. They had an offense that did just enough to win but inconsistently so. With their new additions in this off-season, the Steelers need a quarterback they can fall back on. If the debate is between Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, then the latter holds a clear edge over him.

Aaron Rodgers had a bad year but Russell Wilson proved that veteran quarterbacks can come back from bad performances. It is only fair that Rodgers gets the benefit of the doubt in this regard.