4 things that need to happen for Aaron Rodgers to be next Steelers QB

Despite the Packers and Aaron Rodgers coming to an agreement for this season, it looks like he may not be finishing his career in Green Bay. Here’s how the Steelers could be his next team.

After months of speculation, the Aaron Rodgers vs Green Bay saga has come to an end. Adam Schefter reported on July 26th that the Packers and Rodgers were working on a combination of a reworked deal and promises to give him more say over his future and team decisions. The most notable change in his contract is the 2023 year being voided, giving him more leverage if he were to still be upset with the team.

If Rodgers decides that he is no longer interested in remaining with Green Bay after this year, he certainly won’t be lacking suitors. Denver, Washington, New Orleans, and others could be looking to make a run with strong rosters that just need better QB play. Pittsburgh could very well fall into that category as well, especially if Ben Roethlisberger hangs up the cleats next season. Let’s take a look at what needs to happen for the Steelers to be in play for Rodgers next year.

The Packers fail to gain his trust

First and foremost, the Packers are in the driver’s seat again now that Rodgers has reported to camp. Despite his criticism of the front office, the fact they were willing to re-do his deal, as well as trade for former Packer Randall Cobb, shows they are listening to him. Despite that, I imagine they won’t be doing everything he asks.

Eventually Green Bay will make a decision that upsets Rodgers, and if it’s a significant enough mistake it could all but end his tenure as their franchise QB. Once teams pick up on that, GMs from all quarterback-needy teams will be blowing up the Packers phone to try and make a deal.

The Packers could still decide not to trade Rodgers until after the 2022 season, but I doubt he would agree to play if they still haven’t met his needs. Green Bay could be forced into an ultimatum: risk getting nothing but a compensatory pick for letting him sign elsewhere, or cave and trade him to the highest bidder among his preferred teams. My money is on the front office cutting their losses and trading him in that scenario, opening a window for Pittsburgh to swoop in. It may take significant assets (likely at least one 1st round pick and players), but if Rodgers is still in MVP form it would be worth it.