As the Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the last teams potentially in the running for Aaron Rodgers, former head coach Bill Cowher is less focused on the quarterback’s arm – and more on his motivation.
During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Cowher voiced concerns about Rodgers’ lingering indecision, noting the 41-year-old quarterback’s repeated delays in making offseason decisions.
“Can he still throw it? Yes. Is he mobile enough? I think so,” Cowher said. “But does he really want to play? I mean, the longer you wait, you just have to wonder. Where is his heart, and how much does he really want to do it?”
With the Minnesota Vikings reportedly no longer in pursuit, Pittsburgh has emerged as the most realistic landing spot for Rodgers – along with the New York Giants.
Of course, this is all assuming that Rodgers still wants to play, which he hasn’t officially declared yet … That remains the central question, along with if the Vikings are truly 100% out of the running. (Some insiders think they could still swoop back in.)
Meanwhile, Cowher, who coached the Steelers from 1992 to 2006, believes any player who even entertains retirement has likely “checked out to some degree.” Still, he sees the Steelers as a team that would have done its due diligence early.
Despite his skepticism, Cowher said Rodgers is the kind of player who would fully commit if he laces up the cleats again.
“If he decides to play, he’ll be all in,” Cowher added. “I don’t think he liked the way he exited… I think he’s motivated to play, and I think at the same time, where does he want to play?”
Rodgers’ 2023 season with the New York Jets was effectively over before it started, ending with a torn Achilles on the first drive of the season.
2024 proved to be a mixed bag for Rodgers. While he proved he can still sling it with the best, both he and the Jets failed to meet expectations.
Cowher revealed just how much the Steelers liked Justin Fields, who is now off to New York where he will assumingly be the new starting quarterback of the Jets.
There are many in Pittsburgh who weren’t too thrilled that the front office allowed Fields to leave. While Rodgers certainly has his supporters, a significant portion of the Steelers’ fan base would have been perfectly fine rolling with Fields next season.
Cowher also supported the decision to bring back Mason Rudolph, who he believes still has upside at age 29.
He likened Rudolph’s situation to that of Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, quarterbacks who showed unexpected improvement later in their careers.
As for the Steelers’ approach, Cowher doesn’t expect the franchise to panic or move forward recklessly.
“I think they’re sitting back, and I think this is not unlike a Pittsburgh way of doing things. Seeing what their options are, not feeling pressed to make any decision based on the fact that there’s no deadline,” Cowher concluded.
What are your thoughts on the never-ending Rodgers situation? … At the end of the day, where do you think he will end up???
