Shock head teaching rent Mike McCarthy made his first media look in the present day and introduced he would like to have Aaron Rodgers again in Pittsburgh for an additional season. His precise assertion was, “Undoubtedly. I imply, I don’t see why you wouldn’t.”
McCarthy needed to make this assertion to the media. Rodgers was primarily his solely quarterback in Inexperienced Bay for over a decade. The 2 received a Tremendous Bowl collectively. Getting the prospect to have one final experience with the quarterback who made you one of many winningest coaches of the 2010s is a no brainer response to the general public. Nevertheless, is he actually the best choice for the Steelers in 2026?
If the Steelers are in search of a repeat of the Mike Tomlin period, then Rodgers is a no-doubt choice as your QB1. He had a good 12 months final season, totaling 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and solely seven interceptions. At his greatest, Rodgers was hitting on his deep balls and working a clear offense for the Steelers. Sadly, at his worst, he regarded like an motionless, past-his-prime gunslinger, lacking reads left and proper.
To Rodgers’ protection, the offense lacks expertise throughout the board, and on the opposite facet of the ball, the protection was nonetheless high 10 in defensive EPA per play. However it wasn’t almost as sturdy as in years previous.
Until Pittsburgh can discover the cap house to shore up its offensive line and add one other first rate receiver to pair with DK Metcalf, I’m undecided the Steelers may probably be higher subsequent 12 months. To make issues worse, the protection is beginning to decline in key positions, so it will likely be an uphill battle to win a playoff recreation subsequent season.
I felt like McCarthy was introduced in to assist refresh this crew — commerce their ageing veterans away, purchase important draft capital and open up cap house to get aggressive after a really brief tank. The Steelers felt caught within the mud towards the top of the Tomlin period, so getting a contemporary paint job on the automobile could be good for Pittsburgh.
Bringing again Rodgers for another 12 months means you received’t be buying and selling anybody away. That might be nice, however I’m undecided you may flip the remainder of this roster right into a contender. Re-signing Rodgers returns you to a different season of soccer purgatory. You’re not adequate to really contend, and also you’re not unhealthy sufficient to draft a high quarterback.
The Steelers group doesn’t look like a crew that might ever purposefully tank, however I’m undecided it’s the most effective transfer in case you ever desire a seventh ring introduced dwelling to Heinz Discipline — Acrisure Stadium.
