I would like nothing better than to be wrong. I have no problem admitting it. I’m probably wrong as often as I’m right but I feel pretty confident when I say this; 2025 feels like “The Lost Season” for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And it hasn’t even started…
This is not a knock on anyone that takes the field for the Black and Gold. I trust that the team will put out their best product and play hard. That said, the talent on this roster is “so-so” and the lack of a plan for the Quarterback position is ruminating more everyday.
If Aaron Rodgers does in fact decide to play for the Steelers, how much does that really move the needle? He’s closing in on 42 years of age and while he played decently down the stretch last year, is there really enough in the tank to make this team a contender? Questions about his commitment have already started. If he was truly serious about playing in Pittsburgh then why not sign? Why not be there acclimating to new teammates?
The point being, if he shows up just days before Training Camp then I won’t put that on Aaron Rodgers. I’ll put that on Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin for accepting it. Rodgers’ star power will no doubt resonate with some. His Super Bowl ring and four MVPs carry a lot of weight but will he alienate guys by being a “know-it-all?” A guy coming in off the street and suddenly acting like he’s been there all this time… It’s just such a “non-Steeler-like thing to do.”
Meanwhile, Mason Rudolph will have been putting in the work and the time. No, Rudolph probably isn’t better than Rodgers even at his age but there’s also a lot to be said for the guy that’s committed. Players see that and they can rally around it. And let’s face it; when things go badly, Rodgers blames others. How will that sit in the locker room that already has questions about him?
In fairness to Rodgers, the “Lost Year” isn’t all on him whether he comes or not. There are guys on this roster who need to step it up. Broderick Jones, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pat Freiermuth to name a few. If this happens then maybe the season won’t be one to forget and I will have been proven wrong. I would like that very much yet my gut tells me otherwise.
