Cowherd: Steelers Have Bigger Issues Than Quarterback As Pittsburgh Still Has 2 Massive Problems

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been eagerly awaiting word from Aaron Rodgers as to where the veteran quarterback will sign. With his options becoming increasingly limited, as well as a workout with one of the Steelers' newest wide receivers, DK Metcalf, all signs are beginning to point to Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh. There have been many who are vocal in their opposition to Rodgers singing, citing his age and poor last two years with the New York Jets. Among the detractors is Colin Cowherd, who says that Rodgers is far from the missing piece the Steelers need.

On Tuesday, Cowherd spoke on FS1's The Herd and gave his take on Rodgers as a fit for the Steelers' quarterback needs. Cowherd said that he felt the Steelers had more needs than just missing a signal-caller, and that Rodgers wouldn't solve the team's problems.

"It's okay to inherit a quarterback out of their prime, but they can't be a life preserver. Aaron Rodgers, to me, feels like a water bottle with a house fire. Offensively, there's nothing there. There's no identity. Najee Harris said it. There's no culture."

If the Steelers were to sign Rodgers, it would only be a temporary solution to their problems. Any contract with the 41-year-old quarterback would only be for a limited time and would leave the Steelers looking for a new signal-caller likely as early as next season.

Cowherd's assessment of Rodgers being past his prime is about the lowest hanging fruit when it comes to the discussion of where the quarterback will land. However, there is plenty of truth to it, and the Steelers would have to view signing Rodgers as a short-term investment.

Along with the team's need for a starting quarterback, it also faces other gaps in its roster, most notably on the defensive line and at running back. Since the departure of Najee Harris, it's been unclear if offseason additions like Kenneth Gainwell will be able to fill in his role as a playmaker on the team. Gainwell was a backup on the Philadelphia Eagles last season and will likely be in the running for a starting spot on Pittsburgh's roster in 2025.

On the other side of the ball, the Steelers' defensive line has been under scrutiny, and many have speculated that the team will draft a defensive lineman with their first-round pick come end of April. Given that the Steelers don't have a second-round pick (due to the Metcalf trade), they will have to make their first count, and there's little room for error. 

Steelers And Rodgers Need Each Other 

With the loss of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in free agency, Rodgers could be the best and even final option for the team as a starting signal-caller come September. Regardless of what happens with Rodgers however, the Steelers may also opt to draft a quarterback to take up the mantle in 2026 once Rodgers likely retires. It would have to be with the team's first-round pick, as promising quarterbacks are scarce in the upcoming draft. It's also likely that, should the Steelers draft a quarterback, they will be Rodgers' backup in 2025. 

Maybe Rodgers will realize that, given his age, he isn't the asset he once was, and he will be forced to take on a smaller role with the Steelers. However, what Rodgers decides is hard to predict and is only known to the quarterback himself right now. From Rodgers' perspective, the Steelers may be his last chance to go out on a high note. The quarterback doesn't have much of a career left in front of him, and a record of 5-12 with the Jets would be a disappointing way for the former Super Bowl champion to end his career. 

Do you think Rodgers is the quarterback Pittsburgh needs? How do you think the veteran would play as a Steeler? Let us know in the comments.

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