Do stats show Jets' Aaron Rodgers is right QB for 2025 Steelers?

Numerous reporters have suggested throughout February that the Pittsburgh Steelers will not pursue New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers whenever he officially becomes available. This is partly because Rodgers and the Steelers allegedly "clash" stylistically.

During a Monday appearance on the "NFL Live" program, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell offered a different perspective on how Rodgers could fit with the Steelers for at least the 2025 season. 

"The formula of what the Steelers do on offense fits what Rodgers does best at this point of his career, which is protect the football," Barnwell explained, Steelers Depot's Alex Kozora shared. "The Steelers are 35-13 over the last four years when they turn the ball over zero times or one time in a game. They are 3-16-1 when they turn the ball over twice or more. ...Aaron Rodgers' last 10 games of the season — 18 touchdowns, just four picks. Again, he's not the Aaron Rodgers of five, 10 years ago, but he can protect the football."

Excluding the Jets' 2023 campaign opener that saw Rodgers go down with a torn Achilles four offensive plays into the game, he tossed 23 interceptions over his last 34 regular-season contests. However, it's worth noting he was banged up throughout many of those matchups. Specifically, he played with a broken thumb on his throwing hand in the fall of 2022. More recently, a serious hamstring issue, injuries to both his knees and a low ankle sprain slowed Rodgers this past season. 

The Steelers seemingly aren't in a hurry to "overpay" current starter Russell Wilson or backup Justin Fields, who will become free agents when the new league year opens on March 12. Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams may not be an option for Pittsburgh or any other club this offseason, and there's no sign the Steelers will make a blockbuster trade for a big name such as Jacksonville Jaguars starter Trevor Lawrence. 

"You don't really have any path to other alternatives," Barnwell added about the Steelers possibly giving Rodgers a call. "Why not take that swing and try to build your team around the defense and special teams and protecting the football on offense?" 

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes that the Steelers should consider landing Rodgers "given how many pieces are already in place, the franchise's history and the presence of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith." Smith and Wilson reportedly "did not have a very good working relationship" during the second half of the 2024 season. Still, Smith could view Rodgers as the better bridge option for Pittsburgh's offense this September.