Aaron Rodgers’ Ex-Teammate Feels Steelers Are Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders After Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith Trade

James Jones backs Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to go all the way to the Super Bowl after they trade for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins.

Aaron Rodgers’ Ex-Teammate Feels Steelers Are Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders After Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith Trade

Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Rodgers and James Jones (Image via IMAGO/X)

Pittsburgh Steelers fans and Aaron Rodgers woke up to major trade news on Sunday. General Manager Omar Khan traded for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins.

In return, the Dolphins received All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick—drafted by the Dolphins in 2018—along with a seventh-round pick as compensation for Smith.

Shortly after the teams finalized both deals, Emmanuel Acho on FS1’s The Facility discussed whether the move made the Steelers a Super Bowl contender with James Jones and TJ Houshmandzadeh.

Jones, who played several years in Green Bay alongside current Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, said,

Yeah!!! I think these two pieces solidify what the Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to do—defensively and offensively. It’s a passing league, and [the Steelers] needed a guy who can cover. Offensively, with 12 personnel, Aaron Rodgers is phenomenal. Two tight ends, one running back, and two wide receivers.

According to Jones, the ‘12 Personnel’ offense will nullify the nickel package of the opposition defense because the tight ends will act as additional blockers for the corners, freeing up the receivers like DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods.

For defenses to counter the system, they must bring in one or two extra linebackers and blitz hard through the offensive line. However, that’s easier said than done. On top of it, Rodgers is still an elite passer even at age 41.

Peyton Manning believes Aaron Rodgers has a great opportunity to win it all with the Steelers

Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning played late in his career, similar to Rodgers, and claimed there’s no substitute for experience. The Steelers made a bold choice by signing the 4x NFL MVP to finally overcome the playoff limbo in which they have been stuck for nearly nine years.

Aaron Rodgers' Ex-Teammate Feels Steelers Are Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders After Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith Trade
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Rodgers’ experience, partnered with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme, has the potential to wreak havoc on NFL defenses.

I’m excited for Aaron [Rodgers]. It’s a good opportunity [for him]. I saw Arthur [Smith] earlier this spring, and you know, they were still trying to kind of figure out what they were trying to do. He certainly acknowledged that Aaron was a possibility and was excited about that possibility.

Peyton Manning said on the Pat McAfee Show

Despite joining the Steelers after a significant delay, Manning highlighted, Rodgers possesses all the tools to quickly develop a connection with his receivers because the Super Bowl champion wants to make his potential final season in football memorable.

What Aaron can do to help [Metcalf and Woods], and you wouldn’t think that would take a lot of time for them to kind of get on the same page, just because Aaron’s played with so many guys and kind of knows how to make those adjustments.

There’s still an entire training camp in Rodgers and the Steelers’ hands to become a cohesive team. Trading for someone like Ramsey, who has won big games like the Super Bowl in his career, is bound to elevate their defense.

However, the success of the Steelers’ 2024 season rests upon Rodgers, and if he stays injury-free, then there’s every possibility for the AFC North side to go on a winning run. They will kick off the 2025 campaign by playing Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets.

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