Whether you are a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers signing Aaron Rodgers or not, the conversation surrounding the potential move has gotten tiresome.
While it still seems likely that the former MVP will ultimately join the Black and Gold, I think it's fair to wonder how much it really matters for the Steelers in 2025. Their offseason moves seem to indicate that they can't decide whether they want to go for it this season or stockpile assets for 2026 and beyond.
Maybe they can do both, but I don't think Rodgers is still good enough at 42 years old to truly raise the ceiling of this offense. Would he be better than Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard? Most likely, but it's hard to say by how much.
No matter who starts at quarterback in 2025, the Steelers will only be judged by whether they can finally break their long playoff losing streak.
Pittsburgh Steelers must end their playoff losing streak to be taken seriously
It's hard to believe that the Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. Since then, they have lost six consecutive playoff outings, often getting embarrassed in the process.
They have been outscored by 82 points in those six games. Even their closest loss, a 45-42 defeat at the hands of the Jaguars in 2017, was only that close thanks to a last-second touchdown as time was expiring.
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Nothing this team did this offseason will matter to fans if this streak continues for another season. Head coach Mike Tomlin has proven that he can lift any roster thrown at him to at least a winning season, but it hasn't led them anywhere in nearly a decade.
Adding Aaron Rodgers would theoretically help Pittsburgh end its playoff victory drought, but what will matter most is the defense finally playing well against a tough AFC opponent.
The Steelers' defense finished inside the top 10 in points allowed in three of their last four playoff seasons, but they have been completely outclassed in the playoffs. During their six-game playoff losing streak, they have allowed a staggering 38.3 points per game.
If Pittsburgh does make the playoffs in 2025, the defense will be what determines how far they go, regardless of whether Rodgers joins the team.