Aaron Rodgers tabbed as the “best fit” for the Steelers in 2025
There are still plenty of free agent options out there for teams who are looking to fill gaps on their roster which weren’t filled by the first wave of free agency and/or the 2025 NFL Draft. Of those free agents, you have to ask which player is the best “fit” for a specific team?
At ESPN Matt Bowen provided this information, and he chose how he deciphered the “best fits” for the available free agents who remain on the open market. Here was his reasoning:
“When I evaluate player-to-team matches, I’m looking at how each guy fits in a scheme, how each might be able to help immediately and whether the team has the cap space to add to the roster. This late in the process, most of these players will end up signing one-year, low-risk deals that include incentives to make some more cash. But they can all help somewhere.”
With that out of the way, there was only one player who was tabbed as the “best fit” for the Steelers, and that was quarterback Aaron Rodgers. I know this is a shocker to many, hopefully you picked up on that heavy dose of sarcasm, but Rodgers’ options are severely limited at the current juncture. Nonetheless, here is what Bowen said about how Rodgers and the Steelers seem to be a good fit for the upcoming season.
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
“All signs are pointing at Rodgers heading to Pittsburgh, where he will have a strong run game foundation under coordinator Arthur Smith and a play-action system that can keep the pocket firm. The quick game will play a role here, too, given Rodgers’ accelerated release time and field vision. And his No. 1 option would be newly acquired receiver DK Metcalf, who thrives at creating explosive plays.
“But with diminished mobility and declining pocket poise, Rodgers can’t consistently extend or create on second-reaction plays. He’s a pocket thrower at this stage of his career, and Smith’s game plan should reflect that. With the Jets in 2024, Rodgers threw 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. His 48.0 QBR ranked 25th in the league.”
Rodgers might be the best fit for the Steelers, and not just because it is his only true option right now, but the question still remains if he’ll even play this season for the black-and-gold. When you look at the above description of Rodgers, you have to wonder how much of an advantage he’d give the Steelers over someone like Mason Rudolph. Rodgers clearly is the more talented passer, but at this stage of his career there are aspects which made him great, which have diminished over time.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason and the upcoming training camp.
Tizen ate my post, again. In summary, ESPN is often dumb at best and dishonest at worst, IMO.
Any progress on WR2? AARod needs folks to throw to…
ESPN is just driving clicks. They don’t care if it’s insightful, or adds anything to the larger conversation, it’s all about clicks. And Pittsburgh fans and Rodgers haters alike (and there’s a lot of overlap) will click on Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers “stories,” even though there’s no there there.
Jeff raises my point above — I’m really not sure the Steelers are better off with AARod at QB than Mason Rudolph. 25th out of 32 quarterbacks. Given the potential upside of Rudolph being able to be better than the 25th best quarterback in the league who is on his last go ’round, I really can’t understand why the door is still open to AARod.
Roll with Rudolph — if he’s grown as a player in the past few years and can be a bridge for a couple of years, then awesome. If he hasn’t and can’t, then draft a QB high next year and sign whatever band-aid is out there as a mentor while the next QB grows.
Speaking truth again, Mr. Grinch. I’ve a feeling that Pgh will go 1st round QB in the ’26 draft regardless of who plays QB this season, barring extraordinary, unforseen circumstances.
On different note, is there insight into Jedrick Wills’ health? Pgh just waived an OL.
Yeah, I tend to think you’re right — but I’m not sure that QB should be the starter in ’26, so my hope is that Rudolph is an effective bridge. If he can hold the fort this year, then he’s the starter in ’26 while the next guy learns the system. If Rudolph can’t do it, then draft high and sign another veteran bridge for ’26.
Agreed, I was thinking of the case of zero ’25 NCAA QBs being worthy of a 1st round selection…that would be similar to this year’s draft. Browns and Rams will have best shot for best two Qbs, will the remaining ones be adequate for Pgh? Yes, the last idea you note would apply if Mason does poorly and a a good qb is in play.
Ha what a joke. The Folks who are saying Roll with Mason are the ones who will come to sites like this and praise when plays bad and take joy if the Steelers get a High Pick in the 26 draft. I’ll make it simple for everybody and for those of you who don’t like what I will say tough luck: The Steelers will make the playoffs with or with Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers will not be picking a QB in the 26 Draft as the class will not pan out so get over it Sheesh.
Such a broad brush, Mr. 87. I’m okay if Steelers make playoffs, especially without AARod. I could tolerate making playoffs with AARod, if my arm’s twisted. Does AARod really guarantee playoffs for Pgh? AARod’s ’22 and ’24 suggests otherwise.
And, I could be wrong. I enjoyed “Monk”, did you?
Really MattCat? You used guarantee I did not nor would I with Aaron Rodgers.
Yes, mattcat guarantees mattcat could tolerate Steelers making playoffs w/AARod as QB1, if mattcat’s arm is twisted. Tomlin’s working on that part now, ain’t he? Could you guarantee, 87, not be sad, if AARod becomes Pgh’s QB1 for the upcoming season, and proceeds to play poorly and/or harm team chemistry? Do we have an accord? I like “Pirates of the Carribean”, too.
Feel free to type matt, for short. I’ve not gone by the name…okay, I’ve not been referred to as MattCat in decades. Can’t mess with Lucas, he’s got lawyers.
No Chance. If he plays here then fine if not then I’m also fine with that. Folks need to stop with the obsession of literally daily articles on Rodgers. Rodgers legacy is set no matter what. He’s a lock for the HOF. Does his personality rub people the wrong way yes but that is the case for many great players.
Wow. My primary difficulty is that AARod isn’t a good QB anymore. Ball don’t lie. AARod’s legacy means zero for ’25 season. And hey, GP was tolerated, right?
Choose happiness?!
Rodgers is who he is that’s not changing. I’ve said my piece about him, but others seemingly can’t help themselves and why that is I don’t know and quite frankly I couldn’t care less.
If AARod’s not actively getting better, AARod’s actively getting worse, Mr. 87. AARod’s not changing?
The way he acts and talks is not changing everything else outside of that as it relates to Football is what it is.
If AARon’s talking, he’s not working on his game, either. Football is what it is, demanding. Work done years ago won’t help in ’25. AARon may be getting worse. And some cash from speaking engagements?
Okay so what? Like I get irritated when fans complain that a player is talking too much. So what if the guy talks you don’t have to listen but for some reason it’s a foreign concept for Football Fans especially Steeler Fans to grasp.
I get irritated when a player doesn’t practice, maybe. I don’t listen to AARod, would be worse than watching NBA ball. Would also cut into my FFSN screen time.
News flash: Most Vets don’t practice. At some point a Vet knows what to expect at practice as far how the gameplan goes, what the calls are and so and such. Not practicing is not the end of the world. Since that bothers some my advice would be: Go watch something else.
Vets don’t practice at all?!
Wowsers. Nah, I’ll still watch what what I will. Free choice and so on. Gotta have my FFSN time, ya know. NBA is just so bad, anymore.
They do but not everyday. This is nothing new. Vets always get a least a Day off from Practice every week. Ben did it, as well as some other Vets.
AARod probably needs two or three fewer days per week of practice than Ben. You’re talking ’bout practice?!
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s no! that’s not true Aaron Rodgers isn’t the best fit I saw what Aaron Rodgers did to the New York Jets and all the sports media groups and Steelers haters with their rat poison are idiots Aaron Rodgers only cares about Aaron Rodgers I’m very happy with Mason Rudolph he doesn’t bring any drama and Mason Rudolph is a team player
I agree, and ESPN will say anything for clicks, The Grinch may confirm.