It remains a little bit concerning that the Pittsburgh Steelers have no clear direction for the quarterback position moving forward. Even if four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers decides to sign with the franchise, no one is quite sure what the long-term plan will be. Overall, however, having the veteran under center for the 2025 campaign isn't likely to be looked at as a bad thing if he does put pen to paper. The future Hall of Fame quarterback should be coming close to making an official decision, especially with Organized Team Activities (OTAs) only a few months away.
Everybody throughout the sports world seems to want to comment on the state of the Steelers. Analysts focusing on the NFL were shocked Pittsburgh waited until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Will Howard out of Ohio State. That approach hinted at the fact that the franchise currently has a handshake deal in place with Rodgers. That's what the fan base is hoping, anyway.
After the first night of draft weekend, former NFL Head Coach Jon Gruden sat down with the Pardon My Take crew from Barstool Sports. When discussing the Steelers' situation, Gruden was quite surprised about the team not taking a signal-caller in Round 1. On top of that, he noted a couple of small issues with Rodgers, with the main one being his lack of clutch play late in games throughout the 2024 season.
"I don't know what they're doing," Gruden said. "Maybe Aaron Rodgers, like he's going to solve all your problems. It sounds great, but two years ago, he was out for the year. And last year, I think he had his hands on the ball inside the two-minute drill five times with a chance to win and didn't get it done."
The New York Jets did not have a strong 2024 campaign. There is at least some merit to what Gruden said, as the organization lost seven one-possession games during Rodgers' second and final year there. He only played four snaps during the 2023 season due to a torn Achilles that occurred in the first game of his tenure in New York. That is an extremely concerning reality that the once-clutch quarterback in Rodgers had a tough time coming through for his team late in games.
The Steelers typically play very close, nerve-racking contests. They need a signal-caller that can play at his best when the stakes are the highest. It's possible Rodgers still has this capability, but the 2024 season was a tough one in that specific area.
Gruden gave a little bit more insight on the Steelers' first-round draft plans. He simply stated that he couldn't believe that Pittsburgh passed on drafting someone at the position with the 21st overall selection.
"I don't know what Pittsburgh's doing at quarterback. I was kind of shocked they didn't take a quarterback at number 21."
It's hard to ignore the fact that the Steelers do not have a legitimate plan at the quarterback position with OTAs set to begin later this month. By selecting Howard in the sixth round, it signals that the front office looks at him more so as a long-term backup option. The other two contracted players in Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson aren't being viewed as decade-long starters, either.
Steelers Botched Quarterback Position Regardless Of Rodgers' Decision
Teams need a formidable signal-caller to win in today's NFL. Pittsburgh has shown no urgency when it comes to the position, which has to be looked at as concerning overall. Rodgers could still commit to playing in the Steel City, but he won't be there long if he does, with retirement looming any year now. The organization has to find out how to get into a more consistent situation with the position or the upcoming offseasons will be a pain to deal with.
Are you concerned with Rodgers' play late in games recently?
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