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Would You Welcome Back Rodgers Again?

He will go to Minny IMO. He’s having fun at the end of his career and playing for a different team again will be fun for him.
 
If you look at the "Rodgers" offense across the last 3-4 years then it's been much the same at the Jets as it was here. The way that he wants to play dictates and limits the options for the OC. I think that Smith had his hands tied by how Rodgers wants to play. And how he wants to play is for him to not get hit.

If you just look statistically Rodgers was the 14th best QB last year in the NFL based on QB rate, 15th by passing yards, 13th by TDs. Sounds great doesn't it? Why wouldn't you want him back for $10M next year, pair it with a nuclear defence and win it the way that the Seahawks won it?

By QBR he was 23rd in the NFL. By EPA he was 22nd.

He is a competent, fairly accurate QB. But his advanced stats have him next to Dillon Gabriel and Brady Cook in a lot of metrics. He is also immobile and will not change how he wants to play. IF that was good enough to win then great but it's incredibly limiting.
  • Last years Steelers had the lowest air yards per completion of the advanced stats era - in the last 15+ years.
  • Last years Steelers were 27th in explosive play rate.
So because we had no real downfield threat to our offense we were entirely reliant on YAC plays. That made us almost entirely one dimensional and its a tribute to the players and the defense that we won as many games as we did playing like this.

I don't see the point in bringing him back unless he is willing to play differently. And I have no expectation at all that he is prepared to do that.
 
Slaine said:
If you look at the "Rodgers" offense across the last 3-4 years then it's been much the same at the Jets as it was here. The way that he wants to play dictates and limits the options for the OC. I think that Smith had his hands tied by how Rodgers wants to play. And how he wants to play is for him to not get hit.

If you just look statistically Rodgers was the 14th best QB last year in the NFL based on QB rate, 15th by passing yards, 13th by TDs. Sounds great doesn't it? Why wouldn't you want him back for $10M next year, pair it with a nuclear defence and win it the way that the Seahawks won it?

By QBR he was 23rd in the NFL. By EPA he was 22nd.

He is a competent, fairly accurate QB. But his advanced stats have him next to Dillon Gabriel and Brady Cook in a lot of metrics. He is also immobile and will not change how he wants to play. IF that was good enough to win then great but it's incredibly limiting.
  • Last years Steelers had the lowest air yards per completion of the advanced stats era - in the last 15+ years.
  • Last years Steelers were 27th in explosive play rate.
So because we had no real downfield threat to our offense we were entirely reliant on YAC plays. That made us almost entirely one dimensional and its a tribute to the players and the defense that we won as many games as we did playing like this.

I don't see the point in bringing him back unless he is willing to play differently. And I have no expectation at all that he is prepared to do that.
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I think Tomlin refusing to use the middle of the field until down by double digits limited Smith way more than Rodgers not wanting to get hit.

I can’t believe what they ran last year is what Rodgers wants.

You’re right a precise route runner/possession receiver to compliment DK and his deep threat game is essential for the offseason. They need a real slot WR too
 
The decisions around the style of offense they want to run and how they add to the personnel based on that will be fascinating.

If Rodgers is back then maybe adding someone like Michael Wilson from the Cards, Romeo Doubs who will probably be a FA, Christian Kirk or Calvin Ridley might make sense depending on whether they feel they need an additional boundary reciever or a slot guy.

It's interesting that in McCarthy's press conference he mentioned his leanings towards a West Coast style offense and the need for a mobile QB to run that. He did walk back from that slightly so we'll see whether that means Rodgers is in the frame or not.
 
I think people are way too attached to the name rather than what Rodgers would represent for the 2026 season.

The real question to ask is whether this off-season, there is a way for the Steelers to fix the QB position long term. Those that believe there is, either by draft, trade, free agency or some magic by McCarthy with the guys on the roster, obviously do not want Rodgers back. He's a roadblock to a "better choice" they believe exists.

If you sort of think there really isn't a chance in hell the Steelers fix their QB position long term this off-season, because the pickings or our draft position are just too poor, then Rodgers isn't a bad option because he is, by definition, a very short-term fix (i.e. only 2026) with almost no long term committment (either in cap resources or draft selections).

The name really doens't matter. His performance really doesn't matter. It's all about your outlook on this off-season in general and what you expect or think can be accomplished.

I honestly see both sides of it. There might be some answer out there, even if I don't think there is. I could definitely be wrong. Maybe trading for someone like Kyler Murrey turns out to be some stroke of genius and he turns into our franchise QB savior for the next 4-5 seasons (he will turn 29 this year). Who knows.

I just worry we try that, give up reasources, and it fails, we likely waste 2026-2028 rather than just another season of Rodgers (2026).

That's why we all site around our keyboards debating stuff like this.
 
deljzc said:
I think people are way too attached to the name rather than what Rodgers would represent for the 2026 season.

The real question to ask is whether this off-season, there is a way for the Steelers to fix the QB position long term. Those that believe there is, either by draft, trade, free agency or some magic by McCarthy with the guys on the roster, obviously do not want Rodgers back. He's a roadblock to a "better choice" they believe exists.

If you sort of think there really isn't a chance in hell the Steelers fix their QB position long term this off-season, because the pickings or our draft position are just too poor, then Rodgers isn't a bad option because he is, by definition, a very short-term fix (i.e. only 2026) with almost no long term committment (either in cap resources or draft selections).

The name really doens't matter. His performance really doesn't matter. It's all about your outlook on this off-season in general and what you expect or think can be accomplished.

I honestly see both sides of it. There might be some answer out there, even if I don't think there is. I could definitely be wrong. Maybe trading for someone like Kyler Murrey turns out to be some stroke of genius and he turns into our franchise QB savior for the next 4-5 seasons (he will turn 29 this year). Who knows.

I just worry we try that, give up reasources, and it fails, we likely waste 2026-2028 rather than just another season of Rodgers (2026).

That's why we all site around our keyboards debating stuff like this.
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Good post. The way I look at it, the QB position is so important, that I'm throwing enough at the wall until something sticks. Howard, possibly Willis, etc. (Murray doesn't care enough about football for me), a draft pick and see if you have anything, (I don't think any of those guys are going to be the next guy but I still try) if not we probably get to pick in the top half of round 1. Then we actually get one of the better prospects.
The way I look at Rodgers is he's good enough to have us picking in the 20's, so 2026 is a waste, we find nothing out about any QB's, and we're in a worst spot than we'd be if we tried other QB's, because we're drafting at 21 instead of 12.
 
Like a lot of people i was opposed to it last season because I didnt see the Steelers as a match due to his age and due to there being too many holes on the roster to be a championship team. A QB his age should be seeking out a team that has a legitimate contender chance at being in the SB just like the Steelers need to be figuring out who their next QB needs to be.

There was essentially nothing gained from having him on the team last season and who knows if will Howard's development has been helped any or slowed by his presence.
 
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Coryea said:
Good post. The way I look at it, the QB position is so important, that I'm throwing enough at the wall until something sticks. Howard, possibly Willis, etc. (Murray doesn't care enough about football for me), a draft pick and see if you have anything, (I don't think any of those guys are going to be the next guy but I still try) if not we probably get to pick in the top half of round 1. Then we actually get one of the better prospects.
The way I look at Rodgers is he's good enough to have us picking in the 20's, so 2026 is a waste, we find nothing out about any QB's, and we're in a worst spot than we'd be if we tried other QB's, because we're drafting at 21 instead of 12.
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I want to see the Steelers get Willis or Jones and I don't care if it fails. The upside is higher than singing Rodgers as maybe you catch lighting in a bottle and get a QB capable of producing like Darnold or Hurts. Since 2010, Brady and Mahomes are on a different level and have skewed the QB Super Bowl results winning 7 of the past 16. That leaves 2 of 9 won by HOF QBs. Factor in the losing QBs as well and there's an interesting breakdown. Factor in all the highly-paid QBs that missed the playoffs, is there a shift toward above average QBs surrounded with great rosters being the key to success?

Future Hall of Famers:
-Aaron Rodgers
-Tom Brady 4x
-Patrick Mahomes 3x
-Peyton Manning
----------
-Ben Roethlisberger
-Tom Brady x2
-Peyton Manning
-Patrick Mahomes x2

Hall of Very Good:
-Eli Manning x2
-Russell Wilson
-Matthew Stafford (I know some think higher of Stafford)
----------
-Russell Wilson
-Matt Ryan
-Joe Burrow

Solid-Good:
-Joe Flacco
-Jalen Hurts
-Sam Darnold
----------
-Cam Newton
-Jared Goff
-Jalen Hurts
-Brock Purdy
-Drake Maye

Average
-Nick Foles
----------
-Colin Kaepernick
-Jimmy G.
 
internally for the Steelers, they are saying they need a decision from Rodgers before the Tampering period begins.

That date is creeping right up on us and that is a way better time frame than the previous coaching.

There is no doubt, they take Aaa-ron, if his answer is yes.



Salute the nation
 
Avoid_Lloyd said:
I think Tomlin refusing to use the middle of the field until down by double digits limited Smith way more than Rodgers not wanting to get hit.

I can’t believe what they ran last year is what Rodgers wants.

You’re right a precise route runner/possession receiver to compliment DK and his deep threat game is essential for the offseason. They need a real slot WR too
Click to expand...



Fans can sing all the acolades they want, but Austin is a midget and needs to be replaced. He’s a #4 at best.

We need a #1 or a true #2 first and foremost most.

DK is a #2, and Austin is not the answer.

Great post Avoid_Lloyd, thanks for all your great ones along the way.!!!




Salute the nation
 
Drink IRON City said:
internally for the Steelers, they are saying they need a decision from Rodgers before the Tampering period begins.

That date is creeping right up on us and that is a way better time frame than the previous coaching.

There is no doubt, they take Aaa-ron, if his answer is yes.



Salute the nation
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But will the Steelers demand an answer from him by then, I'm guessing they won't, they'll let him take all damn spring again before coming to a decision because plan B is on the roster, and if they insist on an older cast off QB, they can sign one if Rodgers decides to not return.
They need to tell him March 1st is the deadline. They need to just tell him thanks for last season, but we're going a different direction.
 
Coryea said:
But will the Steelers demand an answer from him by then, I'm guessing they won't, they'll let him take all damn spring again before coming to a decision because plan B is on the roster, and if they insist on an older cast off QB, they can sign one if Rodgers decides to not return.
They need to tell him March 1st is the deadline. They need to just tell him thanks for last season, but we're going a different direction.
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Yep sheet or get off the pot. I believe they have given him a timeframe . With Mike’s dream job coming into play I find it hard to believe he will handcuff himself to a maybe.
 
Coryea said:
But will the Steelers demand an answer from him by then, I'm guessing they won't, they'll let him take all damn spring again before coming to a decision because plan B is on the roster, and if they insist on an older cast off QB, they can sign one if Rodgers decides to not return.
They need to tell him March 1st is the deadline. They need to just tell him thanks for last season, but we're going a different direction.
Click to expand...
slashsteel said:
Yep sheet or get off the pot. I believe they have given him a timeframe . With Mike’s dream job coming into play I find it hard to believe he will handcuff himself to a maybe.
Click to expand...



Last season aaa-Ron gave us 10 wins, but also losses when we needed them least.

Willis could do the same, but still has the upside of being coached up and getting better.

Willis probable starter

Rudy #2, sorry but they go with safety first in this case.

Howard (who needs another year of developement) and mid round drafted QB (unless a better QB falls then spend the pick or move up and spend the pick)

This would be a much better QB room building than the “bring aaa-Ron in” and guaranteed start.




Salute the nation
 
Coryea said:
We absolutely know Rodgers isn't the future here, so bringing him back is just idiotic.
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I'm an idiot then, gladly. I would love to have GOAT back because now they will give him other weapons besides DK so he will light it up. He played great for us last year when everyone here thought he was washed.

Having said that...no matter what the home page stories say on this forum say about Rodgers coming back being more than likely, or drafting a QB; I can say If I was a betting man I would bet a sizeable chunk on Malik Willis being the starter when the season starts.
 
Gildong Sack said:
I'm an idiot then, gladly. I would love to have GOAT back because now they will give him other weapons besides DK so he will light it up. He played great for us last year when everyone here thought he was washed.

Having said that...no matter what the home page stories say on this forum say about Rodgers coming back being more than likely, or drafting a QB; I can say If I was a betting man I would bet a sizeable chunk on Malik Willis being the starter when the season starts.
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I really don’t know. Steelers were so overwhelming predictable. For the first time in a long time I really don’t know. For me that makes me happy. I am basically in a wait and see mode and I am stoked about that.
 
Gildong Sack said:
I'm an idiot then, gladly. I would love to have GOAT back because now they will give him other weapons besides DK so he will light it up. He played great for us last year when everyone here thought he was washed.

Having said that...no matter what the home page stories say on this forum say about Rodgers coming back being more than likely, or drafting a QB; I can say If I was a betting man I would bet a sizeable chunk on Malik Willis being the starter when the season starts.
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“played great” ??? Well I guess he had that one game

Wouldn’t really describe what he did last year as far as his play as great. I’d call it just barely above mid.

If that was “great” then obviously the years of Tomlinization have really lowered your expectations. Less than 200 ypg and less than 1.5 TDS a game is mid at best in a passing league. Dude didn’t break 300 once did he? What, 2 games with more than 2 TDs…greatness that is not.

Many games he played scared and was inaccurate deep. He was simply better than the absolute trash we were putting out there.

IMHO it wasn’t close to great and definitely not worth wasting another season for when he’s gonna keep getting older and losing his mid skill set.
 
Fiji Mariner said:
“played great” ??? Well I guess he had that one game

Wouldn’t really describe what he did last year as far as his play as great. I’d call it just barely above mid.

If that was “great” then obviously the years of Tomlinization have really lowered your expectations. Less than 200 ypg and less than 1.5 TDS a game is mid at best in a passing league. Dude didn’t break 300 once did he? What, 2 games with more than 2 TDs…greatness that is not.

Many games he played scared and was inaccurate deep. He was simply better than the absolute trash we were putting out there.

IMHO it wasn’t close to great and definitely not worth wasting another season for when he’s gonna keep getting older and losing his mid skill set.
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He played great for what he was called to do and for the "weapons" he was given. Outside of DK...not much.
 
Gildong Sack said:
I'm an idiot then, gladly. I would love to have GOAT back because now they will give him other weapons besides DK so he will light it up. He played great for us last year when everyone here thought he was washed.

Having said that...no matter what the home page stories say on this forum say about Rodgers coming back being more than likely, or drafting a QB; I can say If I was a betting man I would bet a sizeable chunk on Malik Willis being the starter when the season starts.
Click to expand...

He made some great throws at times, but he's a shadow of his MVP self and his mobility limitations set the ceiling pretty low for the team. Every advanced stat has him ranked bottom half of the league in 2025.
 
Gildong Sack said:
He played great for what he was called to do and for the "weapons" he was given. Outside of DK...not much.
Click to expand...

Many of the system limitations are a direct result of a QB that feels he must get rid of the ball in 1.5 seconds or less.

The weapons don’t even matter when the coach eliminates the middle of the field and the QB eliminates everything deep.

I don’t think McC opening up the middle will be enough to compensate for the old fella’s limitations.

Aaron did do ok, that standard has just grown old.
 
Gildong Sack said:
I'm an idiot then, gladly. I would love to have GOAT back because now they will give him other weapons besides DK so he will light it up. He played great for us last year when everyone here thought he was washed.

Having said that...no matter what the home page stories say on this forum say about Rodgers coming back being more than likely, or drafting a QB; I can say If I was a betting man I would bet a sizeable chunk on Malik Willis being the starter when the season starts.
Click to expand...
He played well when we weren't playing playoff teams, we only beat 1 playoff team. Rodgers 5 years ago, absolutely, Rodgers now wants no parts of contact, so he's getting rid of the ball as quick as possible. We aren't winning anything with him, just another year without trying to find the next guy.
Malik Willis, yeah I'm not against that, do I think he'll be the guy doubtful, but he's young, has something to prove, there's a chance he could be the next guy.
 
They are talking about Willis getting upwards of $40 million per year. I laughed my behind off. I sure hope we aren't dumb enough to pay that. Even offering him the 2 years and $40 million total that Fields got is still too much for Willis, who is still basically an unknown.
 
I keep reading names here like Hurts, Darnold, etc. Yes, they were successful, but they all had a common denominator while being successful...a dominant OL and solid running game. In the case of Hurts he had a great OL and the best RB in the world. We don't currently have anything like that.

Build the OL. Draft/hire some quality LBs. Build a team before you blow tons of money on ANY quarterback. And if you will enjoy watching Rogers getting trucked by average DLs for another year you're nuts!
 
TDX27 said:
They are talking about Willis getting upwards of $40 million per year. I laughed my behind off. I sure hope we aren't dumb enough to pay that. Even offering him the 2 years and $40 million total that Fields got is still too much for Willis, who is still basically an unknown.
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40 per hell no, 20 over two years sounds like a lot, but isn't horrible, that would've made him the 21st highest paid QB last season, so after new QB deals 20 million per is putting him around the 25th highest paid.
 
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