Aaron Rodgers to Steelers Criticism Rebuked by Stephen A. Smith for 1 Key Reason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 12:48 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gained traction as a potential landing spot for former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in recent days, sparking questions about whether or not the 2020 and 2021 NFL MVP has enough left to lead a team to the playoffs.

Steelers receiver George Pickens called Rodgers a "dream teammate," adding fuel to the fire.

The possibility of Rodgers to the Steelers was criticized on Friday by former Ravens defensive lineman Chris Canty, who attempted to dash hopes of the 41-year-old Rodgers regaining his form as an effective player.

"I ain't sayin' Aaron Rodgers is washed, but if it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then (expletive) it's a duck," Canty said, a take that drew a heated response from fellow ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.

"Look bro, I get where you're coming from, and far be it for me to question anything you know about football, because I know you know what the (expletive) you're talking about," Smith said in response.

"But my issue with this CC is this, these are the Jets we're talking about, 14 consecutive years they've missed the playoffs...It's very, very chaotic," Smith added.

"I know Aaron Rodgers' hands are not clean in all this...But juxtapose that to the Steelers' situation, it is Aaron Rodgers who threw for 28 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions...Aaron Rodgers, we see what we're seeing from him.

"And I understand it that hasn't looked like vintage Aaron Rodgers, but he isn't the only reason it hasn't looked like way. The Jets have been just an absolute mess."

Smith added that he believes the Steelers' strong culture and the presence of head coach Mike Tomlin in the locker room could help Rodgers to succeed in Pittsburgh, along with the presence of Pickens and other stars.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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