Aaron Rodgers will officially be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The future Hall of Famer announced his decision after months of teasing the idea of joining The Black and Gold. While he might've been the best option for Pittsburgh to upgrade their quarterback position, it doesn't fix everything. The locker room could have mixed reactions to this signing finally crossing the finish line.
Expect no one to be happier with this news than Mike Tomlin, and Rodgers' newest weapons.
Most of the playmakers will have a positive spin on this news. They will benefit from having Rodgers, who still has a zip on his throws despite his advanced age, 41. It should increase productivity and pad their numbers. The tumultuous personality will helm the most crucial position in football for the Steelers, and it will benefit some more than others.
Aaron Rodgers should have a profound impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers this season
Mike Tomlin, Head coach
Pittsburgh's longest-tenured professional coach might be the happiest person to hear this news. Tomlin has worked hard to recruit Rodgers to join the Steelers. Rodgers finally held up his end of the bargain, and it could produce a similar result to Russell Wilson's season a year ago. They are two veterans on the downswing of their careers who can provide quality starts.
Tomlin lobbied for Wilson to join the team last season and has done the same with Rodgers.
The mediocrity that follows Tomlin is his own doing. He wants to keep his non-losing season streak alive. Adding Rodgers to his team gives him a shot at keeping that lousy streak going. The Steelers' head coach might believe Rodgers can take them to the promised land, but in reality, they won't do any better than the mushy middle with a 9-8 or 10-7 record.
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DK Metcalf, Wide receiver
Most of the Steelers' offensive weapons should be happy with the addition of Rodgers. They get a knowledgeable starter who won't be afraid to chuck the ball downfield. Each receiver and tight end should see their opportunities drastically increase. No one should be more thrilled than DK Metcalf, who just got traded to Pittsburgh and signed a massive extension with the team.
It's no slight to say having Mason Rudolph or Will Howard would be less enticing than Rodgers. Those two could start games, but odds are, they would struggle in an offense that would be similar to last season. Rodgers and Metcalf have worked out together this offseason, which should create a dynamic rapport between the two going into the campaign.
Broderick Jones, Offensive tackle
Most of Pittsburgh's young offensive line should be thrilled to have a field general at the quarterback position.
Having a young offensive line could produce limitless possibilities for the Steelers or end in disaster. Rodgers is an old player, meaning they better find ways of keeping him upright. Otherwise, he could get injured and derail the entire season. No player along the offensive line will be more vital to Rodgers than Broderick Jones. He will protect the gunslinger's blind side.
Rodgers's best attribute throughout his career has been his quick release. He has been one of the fastest quarterbacks in the NFL. It should help the entire offensive line in pass protection. The less time it takes for Rodgers to decipher a defense and throw the ball, the less time Jones and company have to make a mistake, resulting in pressure on their signal caller.