Steelers' James Harrison Sends Bold But Bizarre Message About Aaron Rodgers For The 2025 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers are due for a very interesting season. At one point in the 2025 offseason, it looked like Mason Rudolph was going to be the starter. However, that narrative shifted quickly once the Steelers began waiting on Aaron Rodgers. After weeks of speculation, Rodgers finally joined the team and made it official. He would be wearing black and gold for the 2025 season. Now, with a future Hall of Famer under center, fans and analysts are debating what the expectations should really be for Pittsburgh heading into the new season.

Former Steelers star James Harrison added fuel to the fire during his appearance on the Nightcap show with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Shannon Sharpe on Wednesday night. While much of the conversation was lighthearted, Harrison made one comment that raised eyebrows across Steeler Nation. He suggested that if things get ugly quickly in Pittsburgh, there’s a world where Rodgers could actually get cut. It was an unexpected take, especially considering Rodgers’ legacy and the investment the team made in him.

Harrison didn’t say it would definitely happen, but his comments left fans wondering just how secure Rodgers’ role really is. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Steelers would cut ties with such a high-profile quarterback, but Harrison clearly thinks it’s at least possible. Whether it was a serious warning or just a bit of blunt speculation, his words have added yet another layer of drama to an already fascinating 2025 season.

"I think they can make it work if they winning," Harrison said. "If they start losing and it's looking like they ain't gonna make above .500, I think it gets real ugly, real fast. To the point of they may just be like, 'You know what, let's let this dude go midseason. For Aaron, let's just get him out of here and put one of these other quarterbacks in.'"

The idea that the Steelers would simply move on from Rodgers if things go badly is an interesting one, but it's not very realistic. Harrison's comment may sound dramatic, but it seems to be coming more from a place of respect than harsh criticism. He appears to believe that if the team starts losing early and the season slips away, Rodgers might not want to stick around for a drawn-out struggle. 

In that case, Harrison suggests both sides might be better off walking away from the situation. That would give Rudolph and Will Howard a chance to get valuable reps. Still, given the investment and attention surrounding Rodgers, the idea of a midseason breakup feels like a stretch.

The Steelers have brought in Rodgers to lead a serious playoff push, and to serve as a placeholder for the 2025 season. Even if the team hits early bumps in the road, it's hard to imagine the front office pulling the plug so quickly. Rodgers, despite being 41, still carries the aura of a franchise quarterback, and Pittsburgh has shown in the past that it values stability and veteran leadership. Cutting or benching him after a few bad games would not only cause a media frenzy, it would also go against everything the organization typically stands for when it comes to handling high-profile talent.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Struggled With The Jets

Rodgers joins the Steelers after a rough ending to his time with the New York Jets. In 2024, the Jets were expected to compete for a Super Bowl, but that dream fell apart almost immediately. Rodgers missed most of the his first year due to injury in 2023, and the team in 2024 managed just five wins. 

Now, he lands in Pittsburgh with a point to prove and a team that believes it can contend. The pressure is real, and expectations are high. If things don’t go as planned, Harrison’s wild theory might start to gain traction, whether fans want to believe it or not. However, right now it feels like a reach.