All signs point to Pittsburgh for Aaron Rodgers. If the future Hall of Famer is wearing Black & Gold, the Steelers can spare no expenses to make a serious Super Bowl run, otherwise, this experiment is a colossal waste of time and money.
An Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers team needs receiving weapons and a sturdy offensive line. Omar Khan has employed a serviceable offensive line that could see continued improvement this offseason. The wide receiving room, however, is incredibly thin.
Another thing the Steelers offense needs is a voice-of-reason leader. The combustibility of an offense composed of Rodgers, George Pickens, and DK Metcalf shouldn't be underestimated, after all.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must sign soon-to-be free agent Cooper Kupp
Athletically, the Steelers have two large, deep-threat receivers and one small, deep-threat receiver. A slot receiver is just what the Steelers need to balance the offense's passing attack, and a former All-Pro may just elevate the entire operation.
If the Steelers have any hope at all in making an Aaron Rodgers-led team a success, they have to make a run for Cooper Kupp.
Kupp had consecutive down seasons, so it's understandable to question the significance of his impact on the field. Certainly, his presence will be noted by opposing defenses, especially with Metcalf and Pickens towering on the outside.
To that end, the Steelers' offense would be more of a threat. With Rodgers having an underneath escape option, he won't feel the need to stand in a quickly decaying pocket or force bad throws.
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But above all, Kupp isn't one of Rodgers' friendly receivers like Alan Lazard or Randall Cobb. Kupp can provide some leadership beyond his play, no matter how much his production declines. Kupp would bring something to the Steelers they currently lack (outside of Isaac Seumalo, technically), with or without Rodgers: recent Super Bowl success.
Which leads to a caveat to this whole idea: The Steelers should pursue Kupp regardless. He fits the culture, he adds an otherwise non-existant element to the offense, blocks well, and he brings a winning mentality to an offense that hasn't had much to do with winning in years.
DK Metcalf doesn't bring that, and neither does Rodgers—or any other quarterback—without Kupp.