The Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers barely had time for the ink to dry on his new contract before their minicamp started. There are several storylines to monitor at the event, but Rodgers will be the headline. Everyone in the organization seems ready to put their support behind Rodgers, as he gives them the best shot at breaking their eight-year playoff drought.
No one should expect Rodgers to have the same pull in Pittsburgh that he did within the New York Jets franchise. He might have some influence with the Steelers, but he won't be making demands to acquire most of his prior teammates. His new General Manager, Omar Khan, wants this roster to succeed around the gunslinger, and that's why they brought free agent Gave Davis in for a visit.
Rodgers has been a repeat contributor to The Pat McAfee Show and has made plenty of noticeable quotes during that time. It wasn't recent, but the new quarterback has praised free-agent receiver Amari Cooper before. Khan is desperate to locate a replacement for George Pickens, but it's hard to imagine Davis being their answer. Expect a free agent or trade acquisition to happen.
Free agent Amari Cooper might be on Aaron Rodgers' list for the Pittsburgh Steelers
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on December 26, 2023, Rodgers was complimentary of Cooper.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Amari’s," Rodgers told McAfee.
Pittsburgh is in dire need of help at the receiver position as their minicamp pushes on. They hope one of Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin III emerges, but neither is guaranteed. It would be foolish not to add a free agent or trade chip to help upgrade the roster. Rodgers is particular about how his receivers play the game, and having two young receivers might cause more headaches than success.
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Cooper remains a free agent after ten successful years in the NFL. He is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, however, and he isn't getting any younger. And many are concerned that his career might be winding down. Taking a gamble on Cooper or Davis would be a copout by Khan. Most fans are hoping for a top-tier replacement for Pickens, but that might not be as realistic.
Rodgers respects Cooper, and it would make sense for Khan to consider the veteran receiver. The free agent has few opportunities on the table. Otherwise, he would've been signed by now. It's tough to imagine him commanding a massive contract at this point in the year.
Signing Rodgers might influence possible upgrades at the receiver position to join the Steelers for cheaper.
As the minicamp process plays out, the Steelers will have plenty of chances to see how desperate their need for a receiver is. Adding Cooper at this point in the preseason process isn't mandatory, but it would be nice to solve this problem on the roster. He is older than Davis, but he has proven to be more reliable. Additionally, it seems like someone Rodgers would prefer Pittsburgh to sign if the opportunity arises.