Is a Steelers trade for Aaron Rodgers even plausible?

Pros and Cons

Suppose a trade gets worked out.  What are the pros and cons? First, Ben has a bit more mileage under his belt than Rodgers does, as Rodgers sat behind Brett Farve for three seasons. Ben has played four more seasons than Rodgers.

Rodgers does not have all the wear and tear that Big Ben does.  He could play another four or so seasons. Plus, the real tangible benefit is that he smoothes the transition between Ben retiring and the Steelers transitioning to a younger quarterback.

Certainly, another tangible benefit is that you’re bringing in one of the few quarterbacks with the experience and talent that could take the Steelers to another title. Wherewith a rookie or other veteran quarterback, the Steelers enter in a rebuilding status.

The con is that you’re trading a 40-year-old quarterback for a 38-year-old quarterback when he joins the team.  At that age, one hit can be a career-ender, and the injury to Roethlisberger in 2019 was nearly that type of hit. Rodgers could face the same dilemma unless the Steelers make significant improvements to their offensive line in the offseason.

Then there are the finances of Rodger’s contract, which carries over to the Steelers, and that would be a huge hit, no doubt. Even though the Steelers will not be as cash-strapped in 2022 as they were in 2021, The reality is they would need to restructure a deal with Rodgers if he comes to Pittsburgh, and Rodgers probably wants a long-term contract. Will the Steelers go long-term?

No matter how you slice it, sure, bringing in Rodgers could pay dividends, but it also has some risk.

The key question is, if this happens, what do the Steelers give up?