McFadden: Steelers Fans Should Be Optimistic About Aaron Rodgers In 2025 For 1 Clear Reason

As another day passes, the Pittsburgh Steelers still await Aaron Rodgers' decision about his future. Until Rodgers decides, the Steelers currently have two quarterbacks on the roster, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. They are two veteran quarterbacks in terms of years spent in the NFL, but lack experience. In Rudolph's five years as a pro, he has started 18 games total, while Thompson has only started in three NFL games in his two seasons. So, even though both guys have been in the NFL for a few years now, neither of them has a lot of in-game reps. 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan spoke about the quarterback situation this week, and the two are aligned in attacking the situation. Rodgers is the guy, but if not, the Steelers will attempt to acquire a quarterback via the NFL Draft, free agency, or trade. Whether Rodgers signs or not, both Tomlin and Khan have made it clear that those three options are still on the table in regards to bringing in at least two more quarterbacks to add to the roster.

Not many of the quarterback prospects in this draft class are day-one starters, however. So, if Pittsburgh decides to draft a quarterback this year, they may not beat out Rudolph in training camp for QB1 reps. Even though Rodgers is 41 years old and heading into his 21st NFL season, he is still likely the best available option for the Steelers to contend. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did it in 2020 when they acquired a 43-year-old Tom Brady from the New England Patriots. Tampa Bay took a chance pairing an aging superstar quarterback with a young talented roster, and it paid off for them. 

Names like Joe Flacco, Kirk Cousins, and some other older veterans have been thrown out there for Pittsburgh to attempt to acquire, but Steelers fans should be optimistic that a 41-year-old Rodgers could have better results. This week, former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden shared with CBS Sports HQ how he thinks fans feel about Rodgers. 

"Should they want Aaron Rodgers? No question," said McFadden. "You kind of back yourself into a corner with no other valuable option outside what you currently have on the team, which is Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, two veteran players. But clearly, you don't want to go to war with those two guys as your starting quarterback from start to finish. Especially if you're an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have playoff aspirations."

The Steelers are not in rebuild mode, so it is in the organization's best interest to maximize their chances of winning. The available quarterback that gives this team the chance of winning now is Rodgers. Rodgers is not coming off his best NFL season by any means. Actually, it was his third-lowest passing yards season when fully healthy, and he still almost threw for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP, and even though he may never win the award again, the quarterback is still playing at a level higher than many NFL starting quarterbacks. For a little perspective, Rodgers threw for more yards and an equal amount of touchdowns in 2024 as NFL MVP Josh Allen. Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, while Allen threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns. Rodgers finished eighth in passing yards amongst all quarterbacks, so his ability to get the ball to his receivers is still at a high level. 

Steelers Fans Are Split On Rodgers

Steeler Nation should be looking forward to Rodgers agreeing to play in Pittsburgh this season. Rodgers may come off as an individual with an odd personality, but one thing is for sure: he will help this team win a lot of games. Much like the Brady situation in Tampa Bay, if Rodgers plays his last few seasons in Pittsburgh and delivers a Super Bowl, it will all be worth it. Hopefully, some of the off-the-field antics Rodgers has initiated in the past won't make their way to Pittsburgh.

Do you have optimism that Rodgers can deliver in Pittsburgh, similar to how Brady delivered in Tampa Bay? What are your thoughts about McFadden's remarks? Comment below!

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