When Aaron Rodgers inked a team-friendly deal to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, it certainly felt like a boon for the organization. Yet, the excitement of his signing came after a period when Rodgers was still a free-agent quarterback for much of the offseason. It was only towards mandatory minicamp that Rodgers signed his contract and took to the field for some drills.
Mike DeFabo of The Athletic cautioned Steelers fans against jumping to conclusions based on Rodgers’ recent practice performance. With a sharp perspective on the situation, DeFabo remarked that any strong opinion about Rodgers’ early showing with the Steelers might be unfounded. Missing the first two weeks of organized team activities, Rodgers’ participation at minicamp was limited. He showcased his renowned quick release during routes-on-air segments and displayed decent mobility for his age in individual drills. But in terms of a full glimpse into his capabilities, that’s about as far as it went.
Doubts about Rodgers’ remaining prowess aren’t solely tied to him nearing his 42nd birthday. The veteran quarterback faced a broken thumb and a rib injury in his last season with the Green Bay Packers. Add to that the Achilles tear just four plays into his regular-season debut with the New York Jets in 2023, and it becomes clear why questions linger.
Despite setbacks, Rodgers ended the 2024 season with some solid numbers, tying for seventh in the league with 28 touchdowns and eighth in passing yards at 3,897. Yet, his 48.0 adjusted QBR ranked 28th among qualifying quarterbacks. Additionally, performance-wise, the Jets offense only managed to rank 24th in both offensive yards and points per game while Rodgers was at the helm.
Potential chemistry issues between Rodgers and Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might also impact the upcoming season. Smith’s reputation for being stringent about QBs following the game plan, as reportedly seen with Russell Wilson last year, could offer an intriguing dynamic with Rodgers, known for his on-the-fly play adjustments. The two plan to work together this offseason, trying to mesh Rodgers’ pass-heavy tendencies with Smith’s preference for the ground game, as evidenced by the high number of running plays called in 2024.
History indicates Rodgers typically shines during training camp, even if it’s just shorts and helmets. For Steelers fans, while it’s tempting to dream big about what Rodgers might bring, tempering those expectations might be wise. His time in Pittsburgh, whether viewed as a potential renaissance or simply a chapter of resilience, promises to be compelling. Whether it’s a one-season affair or something more enduring, Rodgers’ chapter in the Steelers saga is just beginning to unfold.
