In Pittsburgh, we don’t celebrate mediocrity. "The standard is the standard," as Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has famously said—and that standard is chasing championships, not just filling out a roster.
So, when the Steelers finalized a deal to bring Aaron Rodgers on board for the 2025 season, it sent waves through the fan base, the media, and, of course, former Steelers like Ryan Clark.
Clark, never one to mince words, didn’t hold back.
“This is the worst-case scenario for Pittsburgh Steelers fans,” he said on ESPN. “Have they gotten better in the quarterback room? Absolutely. Will they contend for that championship that Pittsburgh Steelers people, fans, and organization think is the standard? No, they won’t.”
That’s a tough statement to digest, especially from someone who knows this organization from the inside. And while I understand where Ryan is coming from, I don’t think this is the worst-case scenario—far from it.
The truth is, the Steelers were desperate. After moving on from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, they needed a legitimate solution. Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard are solid fallback options.
Neither is ready to carry the weight of a franchise steeped in expectation.
Ryan Clark missed major benefit in Pittsburgh Steelers signing Aaron Rodgers
That left Rodgers as the only viable path forward, and I believe Pittsburgh made the right move by going all in.
Yes, Rodgers is a short-term answer. He’s also one of the most cerebral quarterbacks of our generation. His presence alone elevates the offensive ceiling. Even more importantly, he has the potential to be an invaluable mentor to Howard and Rudolph.
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That’s where the long-term value lies.
T.J. Watt and the defense can only take this team so far. History has shown that without a capable quarterback, even the best defense eventually cracks under pressure.
Rodgers gives the Steelers a shot—maybe not a guaranteed Super Bowl run, but a competitive season with a blueprint for the future.
I respect Ryan Clark’s honesty. He’s holding the Steelers to the same high standard the fans do. But I think this story isn’t finished.
If Rodgers can win while grooming his successor, the Steelers are geniuses. Not just desperate. Rodgers may not be forever. If he’s the bridge to what's next, that's what we need right now.