The Pittsburgh Steelers are generating plenty of buzz lately, particularly around their quarterback situation, as former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum recently weighed in on the future of Aaron Rodgers with the team. On a recent episode of “Get Up,” Tannenbaum expressed a rather stark outlook, suggesting that the four-time NFL MVP could be headed for a bumpy road in Pittsburgh.
Tannenbaum didn’t mince words, claiming, “I think Aaron Rodgers could be irrelevant by Thanksgiving,” highlighting concerns about the Steelers’ prospects with a 42-year-old legendary quarterback at the helm. He pointed out that this could be a challenging season for the team, predicting that they might be facing their first losing record since 2003.
He was clear in laying out his belief that the Steelers rank as the third-best team in their division. “They’re going to have to find out about Will Howard,” Tannenbaum noted, referring to the intriguing draft pick from Ohio State. “I don’t think they could really win this division, and I think by the end of this season we’re going to be talking about a massive transition.” It’s an interesting perspective, and one that raises questions about the team’s immediate plans versus their long-term strategy.
Despite Rodgers joining the team, the betting lines don’t reflect a surge in confidence among sportsbooks. Most outlets have left Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl odds unchanged, listed at +4500. They’re currently positioned as eighth in the AFC with a slight edge in the AFC North at +600. Looking forward to the 2025 season, their win total is set at 8.5, which suggests they might just tread water rather than soar.
Tannenbaum wasn’t alone in his analysis. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that while Rodgers is undoubtedly talented, the Steelers might find themselves stuck in mediocrity—or as he put it, “the worst place they could be.” This middle ground could prove detrimental come draft time in 2026, as Orlovsky predicts a likely finish of 9-8 or 10-7, not quite bad enough to secure a high draft pick that could lead them to the quarterback of the future. “This still is a subpar offensive line,” he noted, and added that their wide receiving options might not be enough to elevate the team’s prospects significantly.
Nevertheless, should Rodgers’ stint in Pittsburgh fall flat, the Steelers have the luxury of a deep draft class coming in 2026 to explore their options. With 12 picks projected for the draft, there’s significant potential for the team to maneuver up the board if they want to secure a franchise quarterback. The situation might draw comparisons to the Chiefs’ bold trade early in the 2017 draft that ultimately led them to Patrick Mahomes.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter underscored this potential, calling the Steelers “the most intriguing team in next year’s draft” due to their ample draft capital. With many eyes on Pittsburgh, especially with the upcoming draft being hosted in the city itself, it’s clear that whether they keep Rodgers long-term or pivot for a fresh start under center, the Steelers will be a focal point of the NFL landscape in the years to come.
In the meantime, fans and analysts alike will be looking to see how the 2025 season plays out as the Steelers navigate these uncertain waters—will they thrive with an established legend or start the search for their next franchise quarterback? Only time will tell.
