Mike Tomlin furthers optimism surrounding Aaron Rodgers' potential with Steelers 

While training camp evaluations only go so far, Tomlin's latest remarks lend credence to the possibility the Steelers will enjoy a significant upgrade at quarterback in 2025 compared to recent years. That alone may allow Pittsburgh to win a playoff game for the first time since 2016. 

Former Steeler turned ESPN analyst Ryan Clark changed his tune on Rodgers after watching the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer in person. 

"I can confirm it, Aaron Rodgers can still really throw the football… it’s crazy in person! 2010-11 Super Bowl Flashbacks," proclaimed Clark, even harkening back to when Rodgers beat the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

But in all reality, expecting Rodgers to be as good as he was 15 years ago, or even five years ago, isn't realistic. Rodgers, like most players, has shown signs of aging the last few years. However, he also performed better than some suggest in 2024, especially towards the end of the season. 

Last year, Rodgers completed 63 percent of his passes and threw for 3,897 yards. He found the end zone 28 times, but also threw 11 interceptions as the Jets finished 5-12. 

Comparing Rodgers' play to the combination of what Russell Wilson and Justin Fields produced for the Steelers - a total of 3,588 and 21 touchdown passes - and simply duplicating last year would be an upgrade for Pittsburgh. 

Now long recovered from the Achilles tear that ruined his first year in New York in 2023, there's plenty of reason for optimism about Rodgers' potential for what's expected to be his lone season with the Steelers. 

Only time will tell what the true ceiling for the Steelers with Rodgers actually is, and there will be people who argue that going all in for one year with an aging quarterback who often creates distractions for the team wasn't wise. 

The only way Rodgers can truly change the narrative about the end of his career is to let his play on the field do more of the talking than anything he may say on the "Pat McAfee Show." 

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.