Four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers plans to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers today with mandatory minicamp starting on Tuesday. This is a promising move for the Steelers.
This is a big signing for the Steelers to build off of their promising draft class. The Steelers beefed up their defense and run game in the draft along with trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. This Rodgers signing is another key piece to the puzzle building toward a Super Bowl appearance.
This is a big get for the Steelers not only for this season, but for the next few because of the experience Rodgers has and his ability to impact the quarterbacks in the Steelers’ room. Rookie Will Howard, whom the Steelers selected in the sixth round, can be a very good NFL quarterback under the right mentorship. Mason Rudolph, who has been a backup for most of his career, can also benefit.
Rodgers has already done this once in Green Bay by mentoring Jordan Love and helping him develop into a reliable quarterback for the Packers.
Although Rodgers has quite the resume and history of success in the NFL, he is 41 years old, and there were rumors of him retiring before signing with Pittsburgh. There are doubts on his durability and mobility in the pocket.
But that should not be too big of a concern now that he is in Pittsburgh rather than in New York with the Jets. The Steelers have a promising young offensive line to protect Rodgers.
Another question being asked is if the Steelers should sign or trade for another solid wide receiver since they shipped George Pickens off to Dallas for not much in return.
If they want to be successful and run a complete offense, they are going to need another good wide receiver. They have Calvin Austin, who has shown flashes of being a solid option, they also have Roman Wilson, who missed virtually all of his rookie year with injury, and they signed veteran Robert Woods recently.
Looking at all of the top teams in the league, they all excel at one aspect on offense very well. For the Ravens and the Eagles, it is their run game. For the Bills and Chiefs, it is their quarterback play.
If the Steelers want to get to that level, their pass catchers have to be able to get open for Rodgers to deliver them the ball.
Can Rodgers succeed in the run-first Arthur Smith offense? Yes. The run game for the Steelers has and will always be good.
Due to the good run game being good, the right play-calling will open up play action for Rodgers to deliver the ball to receivers more easily with defenses collapsing on the run. This could also lead to seeing more man coverage and getting our speedy receivers the ball in space to make plays.
All in all, Pittsburgh should be excited for the Steelers upcoming season with Rodgers under center leading the offense.
