Analysts address if Aaron Rodgers, Shedeur Sanders could co-exist with Steelers

As of the second Friday of April, it seemed at least somewhat realistic that the Pittsburgh Steelers could head into mandatory minicamp practices in June with both veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and rookie Shedeur Sanders on their roster. 

For a piece published on Friday, Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman of The Athletic addressed how having the two big personalities in the same quarterback room could either benefit or harm the Steelers as it pertains to their short-term and long-term goals. 

"If Rodgers is in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal and understands the situation at hand, I’d love that fit," Baumgardner said. "...If Sanders falls outside the top 10, Pittsburgh shouldn’t be afraid to move up the board if need be. Assuming Rodgers can admit to himself that he’s 41 years old and in a position to be a true example for a talented young quarterback, then this could be a great situation. If there’s one team in the QB-needy bunch that’s actually a quarterback away from making some noise, it’s Pittsburgh."

The 2024 Steelers entered Week 15 at 10-3 before the club endured a five-game losing streak as quarterback Russell Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reportedly fought through some "differences." It appears to outsiders that head coach Mike Tomlin is hoping Rodgers won't be what he was when he was dealing with multiple injury setbacks during what became his final season as a member of the New York Jets. 

"Rodgers wasn’t that bad last year for the Jets, especially over the final 10 games, when he threw 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions," Dochterman added. "...There’s also no better spot for Sanders. He dealt with his share of the spotlight at Colorado while playing for his father (Colorado head coach Deion Sanders), but the opportunity to sit behind Rodgers and play for a strong leader like Mike Tomlin would remove the pressure that accompanies first-round quarterbacks. Then, the club could target him as the starter in 2026."

Even though Sanders' draft stock seems to be plummeting as the night of April 24 approaches, there's still no guarantee he'll get past the New Orleans Saints at pick No. 9. With clubs such as the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) potentially plotting a trade back into the first round for a prospect such as Sanders, the Steelers hoping to land him with the 21st overall choice could be a mistake if they truly want to pair him with Rodgers this spring.