There have been mixed reactions to Aaron Rodgers‘ ghosting the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some, especially the Steelers coaching staff, are content with the long waiting game, but others want a definitive answer from the 41-year-old quarterback—either he is a Pittsburgh Steeler or not.
One man who is a big advocate of the Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers is their former offensive coordinator, Todd Haley (2012-2017). During a recent appearance on the SiriusXM Radio Show, Haley argued that Rodgers is the best option for the AFC North franchise, regardless of his performance these last few years.
I still think it’s the best option and one I’d be willing to take a risk on knowing you only get so many shots at this.
Todd Haley said
As per Haley’s observations, the Steelers boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, coach Mike Tomlin, and an offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith who understands the Steelers’ way better than a year ago.
Rodgers last surfaced close to his home in California, taking questions from fans on his NFL future. While answering one of the questions, the Super Bowl winner hinted that he will not retire and wants to continue playing football for a team that plays the Chicago Bears in 2025.
His unceremonious end to the Jets’ tenure created ample buzz surrounding his future until the Steelers entered the frame. Haley is aware of the tensions between the Jets and Rodgers.
What was going on in New York was very disturbing to me too, [but] I’m gonna lean on that and say he doesn’t have to be Aaron Rodgers from 10 years ago, but I saw enough last year.
Todd Haley added
Todd Haley discussed why he still believes QB Aaron Rodgers makes sense in Pittsburgh with Mike Tomlin.
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 1, 2025
https://t.co/v3G0iz6gwE#Steelers | #HereWeGo | @TheToddHaley pic.twitter.com/FP5WcW5xXp
After sitting out his entire first season due to an Achilles tear, Aaron Rodgers led the Jets to a 5-12 finish in his second year with Gang Green. He ended the campaign with 368 completions for 3897 yards, 28 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
The Steelers currently have three quarterbacks on their roster. After Russell Wilson and Justin Fields left, the Steelers brought back Mason Rudolph after he spent one year in Tennessee. They signed free agent Skylar Thompson and drafted former Ohio State quarterback and CFP champion Will Howard.
The depth chart doesn’t inspire much confidence among the fans. It will instantly change if Rodgers announces his commitment to the franchise. He is leaning toward joining the Steelers at some point, but in the meantime, he is missing out on organized team activities.
Rodgers’ former Green Bay Packers teammate James Jones believes that OTAs are a great opportunity to build bonds with his Steelers teammate.
Aaron [Rodgers] is such a perfectionist in practice. I mean, he wants it perfect in practice. He wants the chemistry to be perfect in practice… A big piece of what they are missing right now is that chemistry. The longer it goes, the less time they get to build.
James Jones said on 93.7 The Fan (H/T: Steeler Nation)
A couple of days ago, Terry Bradshaw took shots at coach Tomlin for his pursuit of Rodgers. Bradshaw, who won four Super Bowls with the Steelers, advised Rodgers to stay in California instead of moving to Pittsburgh.
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