The Aaron Rodgers Wait is Over, Expected to Sign a 1-Year Deal with Steelers

Much like the Penguins did earlier this week with the hiring of head coach, Dan Muse, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a new starting quarterback. 

Aaron Rodgers, the future Hall of Famer, is expected to officially sign a one-year deal with the Steelers this weekend, with reports that Rodgers plans to attend Steelers minicamp next week.

The wait is over, but that’s just the beginning of the controversy, I assure you. 

This will not be a popular opinion, but even at age 41, and despite his controversial comments, Rodgers is the best option for the Steelers to win. As a “fan”, if you’re upset that Rodgers is joining the “Black and Gold” because you disagree with his personal views, I would suggest one thing. Don’t be upset at Rodgers. Channel your anger where it belongs. 

Blame the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Be upset at Mike Tomlin, and the Steelers brass for not having a real plan to replace another future Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger. Be upset that Tomlin mangled the development of Mason Rudolph. Be upset that Tomlin mangled Kenny Pickett’s development as well. 

Be upset that Tomlin acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, for the 2024 season, just to let them both walk. A decision that ultimately forced the organization to re-sign Rudolph, which I’m happy with, and ultimately, signing Rodgers. 

For the record, letting Justin Fields walk may prove costly.

For months now, I’ve seen fans bashing this push to sign Rodgers. “Rodgers is a coach killer. He’s a cancer. He’s disruptive.” Why? Because he speaks his mind? Because he told reporters that he was “immunized” I believe is the word he used? Because he didn’t agree with the COVID-19 vaccine mandates? Or maybe it’s his appearances on podcasts expressing his views about politics, society, and even science? 

Last I checked, he’s free to speak his mind here in these United States of America, just like the rest of us.

Addressing the supposed coach killer remarks, the situation with Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers coach, Mike McCarthy, is complex. Both are seemingly full of themselves, yet they managed to win Super Bowl 45, against these Steelers. If you’re a coach killer, do you win Super Bowls with the coach? Never mind that the Packers were looking to move on from McCarthy when they fired him, but Rodgers sure is a coach killer, right?

As for Robert Saleh, and the New York Jets? Well, the Jets are terrible. Saleh never had a chance, and getting fired in 2024 was probably the best thing that could’ve happened. 

How many games was Saleh the head coach of the Jets? 56 games to be exact. His record? 20-36. How many of those games did Rodgers play with Saleh as the head coach? Six games, that’s it. The problem(s) with the Jets were in existence long before Rodgers. 

Rodgers is a controversial figure for his off-the-field beliefs, not so much for his play on the field. So what that he comes off as arrogant? Last time I checked, that is not a crime. A lot of players over the years have done a lot worse, so if he’s only guilty of voicing his opinion, not run-ins with the law, I’m fine with him. 

Let’s see what the old gun slinger has left in the tank. Let’s see if he can catch lightning in a bottle and chase another Super Bowl. But make no mistake, it’s ok to judge him for his level of play on the football field, but not his beliefs. 

It appears to me that a lot of people are living in glass houses these days. Maybe they shouldn’t throw stones.