Why NFL coach, executive are high on Steelers starting Aaron Rodgers in 2025

Aaron Rodgers accepted a team-friendly contract to join the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in June after his two seasons with the New York Jets did not go as he or that organization had hoped. 

Many outsiders understandably doubt Rodgers will be able to turn the clock back to his best days while with the Steelers. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed in a piece published on Tuesday that "several coaches who watched Rodgers closely" during the 2024 season "believe Pittsburgh just got a steal" at the sport's most important position. 

"He's still throwing the [expletive] out of the ball, honestly," one unnamed veteran NFL offensive coach said about the Steelers turning to Rodgers. "He's the best quarterback they've had since (Ben Roethlisberger retired in January 2022). We will see how the body holds up, but I think he's going to help them immensely."

That veteran offensive coach was referencing how Rodgers dealt with injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain, a serious hamstring problem and a nagging hip issue last fall, coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. 

According to Pro Football Reference, he ended this past regular season ranked 28th in the NFL among qualified players with a 48.0 adjusted QBR, tied for 20th with a 90.5 passer rating and 26th with a 43.9 percent passing success rate. While Rodgers tossed 28 touchdown passes over 17 games, ESPN stats show the Jets ended the campaign tied for 24th in the league with an average of 19.9 points scored per contest. 

Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth recently mentioned that Rodgers' "arm talent, athleticism, release and intelligence" stood out as the future Hall of Famer participated in drills during Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp last week. Of course, Rodgers didn't have to worry about avoiding pass-rushers during those sessions.  

"Look, the mobility is an issue, there's no doubt," one AFC executive said while speaking with Fowler about Rodgers. "But where he helps them is with the plus arm strength and the field vision from the pocket. They haven't had that. I'm not sure that will be enough, but the offense will be at least respectable."

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin clearly thinks Rodgers will be an upgrade for the Steelers over what veteran signal-caller Russell Wilson gave the club during its five-game losing streak that lasted from Week 15 this past December through the wild-card round of the playoffs. Tomlin could be proved right if the Pittsburgh offensive line can keep Rodgers healthy through January 2026.