As March rolls on, Aaron Rodgers’ free agency saga remains unresolved – an unsurprising development given the enigmatic nature of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
While still considering the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings (if they change their minds), the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as the frontrunner to land the four-time NFL MVP.
Before his tumultuous two-year stint with the Jets, Rodgers spent 15 seasons as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Though his departure from Green Bay was marked by supreme tension, it appears he has developed a newfound appreciation for his time there – something that is reportedly influencing his decision on where to play next.
“I’ve heard Rodgers is looking for a culture such as the one in Green Bay,” TheMMQB’s Albert Breer revealed. “I get it if that sounds a little strange after the drama of the four-time MVP’s final years as a Packer. But over the past few months, Rodgers has been open with people around him on his renewed appreciation for what he had for 18 seasons in Wisconsin.
“Call it a grass-is-greener dynamic if you want, but it definitely has felt, to some of those around him, like spending a couple years as a New York Jet made Rodgers view the situation he had more favorably.”
That sentiment appears to give Pittsburgh a key advantage over other suitors.
“That’s also one area where the Steelers have an edge – Pittsburgh has a long-established culture, a family-business feel, and stability, just like Green Bay,” Breer continued.
“It also helps, I’d think, that the roster is stocked with decorated veterans such as T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and now DK Metcalf, who are deep into their careers and presumably would carry a similar win-now urgency to Rodgers.”
However, the question looming over the Steelers – and any team considering Rodgers – is whether he’s still the right quarterback for a franchise built to compete immediately.
The Jets were in a win-now mode during both of Rodgers’ seasons in New York, yet the results were disastrous.
His first campaign ended almost immediately when he tore his Achilles just four plays into the season – an injury some might call a fluke, but one that also raises concerns given his age.
In his second year, the Jets limped to a horrendous 5-12 record, failing to come anywhere close to the playoffs.
With the Steelers seemingly leading the race for Rodgers, Pittsburgh must ask itself: Is he truly the missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle? Or would signing him be another costly miscalculation?
Either way, assuming Breer is correct, it certainly seems like Rodgers greatly regrets leaving Green Bay…
What are your thoughts on the situation???
