Aaron Rodgers is mulling over his decision to join Pittsburgh. The Steelers appear to be his top choice, as the free agent tries to reestablish himself as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. He wants to win during his final stint in the NFL, and it seems like Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan have not learned their lesson.
Signing someone like Rodgers in free agency would be a gamble. He isn't getting any younger, and most see him as a toxic individual joining a locker room full of self-minded teammates. He won't help settle George Pickens or D.K. Metcalf when tensions boil over. Rodgers might only add fuel to the fire. Fans won't be able to say this club will be dull during their upcoming season.
Expectations remain high in Pittsburgh, but the city wants a long-term plan. They have only witnessed a revolving door at quarterback, and adding an old veteran at the position only prolongs their issues. Rodgers might get them to where Tomlin wants, but it is not what their fanbase is praying for. They want a long stretch of Super Bowl contention, but that won't happen.
At least Tomlin will be happy to keep his non-losing streak alive.
Aaron Rodgers will keep the Pittsburgh Steelers' non-losing streak alive under Mike Tomlin
Everyone who pays attention to the Steelers knows about Tomlin, and his "never had a losing season" streak in the NFL. That might be a grand accomplishment, but it has become the only goal for the team each year. Yes, it's nice not to lose more games than you win in theory, but it holds them captive. They're in the mushy middle without much hope of getting free.
Rodgers would apply a slab of duct tape on top of a leaky pipe. The pressure will eventually be too much, and disaster will strike. The veteran gunslinger might be their only logical option to become the starter this season, but they could've gone in another direction. With the draft providing a weak crop of quarterbacks, they should punt on this season and worry about next year.
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Tomlin would be thrilled to know he has a future Hall of Fame quarterback who can get him to nine or ten wins this upcoming campaign. Pittsburgh wants postseason success but signing a 41-year-old signal caller who hasn't won a playoff game since 2021 doesn't add up. He could always rebound with the Steelers and finally land them postseason success, which the franchise desires.
All Tomlin appears to care about is keeping his non-losing season streak alive. Both Khan and Rodgers have only complimented his thought process. Expect the Steelers to remain in the middle of the pack for the foreseeable future unless injuries pile up or their quarterback oozes more toxicity.
Steelers Nation deserves better, but they can only hope Rodgers can defeat Father Time.