As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the offseason with a quarterback room in need of a leader, there’s one player who strongly disagrees with the idea of bringing in future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers, who has yet to announce his plans for the 2025 season, is reportedly being shown the door by the New York Jets, who informed him they won’t bring him back.
According to reports, you can partially blame Pat McAfee for that…
The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ future has led to speculation about where he might land next.
Some see the Steelers, with their unsettled quarterback position, as a potential destination for the four-time MVP.
However, Steelers safety DeShon Elliott isn’t convinced that Rodgers is the answer.
When an Instagram post suggested Pittsburgh was the leading contender to acquire Rodgers, Elliott didn’t hold back in his response.
“Leave his ass at the retirement home,” Elliott wrote.
Elliott, who has one more year left on his contract, could find himself in an awkward position if the Steelers decide to ignore his sentiments.
Despite this, Pittsburgh could still consider an upgrade after a frustrating 2024 season that saw them exit the playoffs in the Wild Card Round for the fourth time in five years, marking an eight-year playoff win drought.
While Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both unrestricted free agents, have led the Steelers to a respectable 10-7 season with 21 combined touchdowns and just six interceptions, owner Art Rooney II has expressed a preference for re-signing just one of them this offseason.
However, the Steelers may look for a higher-profile move to push their team past its postseason struggles.
Critics like Elliott might not view Rodgers as the solution, especially given his recent performances. In the 2024 season, Rodgers posted a lower completion percentage (63.0%) and a quarterback rating (90.5) than Wilson.
Still, oddsmakers are giving Pittsburgh a good chance land Rodgers.
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Steelers as the +200 favorites, ahead of other suitors like the Las Vegas Raiders (+300), San Francisco 49ers (+350), and Minnesota Vikings (+400).
Rodgers has also recently praised Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, fueling further speculation.
During a December appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers called it “ridiculous” that Pittsburgh hasn’t had a losing season since Tomlin took over in 2007.
“There’s only one Mike Tomlin, first and foremost, so you got to give Mike credit. He’s got the special sauce,” Rodgers said. “I’ve always respected Mike from afar, and I think he’s done one hell of a job in Pittsburgh.”
As the offseason unfolds, the Steelers’ next move at quarterback will likely remain a hot topic, and the debate over Rodgers’ potential arrival is just beginning.
In the grand scheme of things, Elliott’s comment doesn’t mean anything.
However, it’s safe to assume Tomlin and the powers that be in Pittsburgh don’t want any of their players running their mouths on social media.
As for Rodgers, opinions on him are split right down the middle.
Where do you stand on Rodgers? … Should the Steelers aggressively pursue him???
