Steelers Now
Colin Cowherd of FS1 has a new theory in the never-ending Aaron Rodgers saga. Cowherd believes Rodgers wants to return to Northern California and play for the San Francisco 49ers. He’s just waiting to see what unfolds with the Brock Purdy contract situation.
“I told you. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t buy Pittsburgh, it’s fools gold,” Cowherd said on The Herd. “Defensive coach, two needy receivers, bad o-line, lost Najee Harris. And here we are. Aaron Rodgers is just waiting it out. I think it’s the right move. I believe he wants to go to San Francisco if the [Brock] Purdy contract doesn’t work, or Minnesota. I think he’s right to want that. I don’t think he should sign in Pittsburgh.”
Rodgers is a Chico, Calif. native. He also played his collegiate ball at the University of California, which is in the Bay Area. The 49ers appeared in the Super Bowl two years ago, so perhaps Rodgers thinks that’s his best landing spot to make a run at a title in 2025.
Minnesota appears to be out of the equation. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that Minnesota shut down Rodgers’ pitch to make a one-year run at a Super Bowl and serve as a mentor for J.J. McCarthy.
With the saga continuing to drag along, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk also is starting to wonder if Aaron Rodgers even wants to play in Pittsburgh.
“The longer this takes, I start to wonder if this does happen at all. There is a point where it gets to be too awkward. And I don’t know that Aaron Rodgers appreciates or understands this from the outside perspective,” Florio said on PFT Live. “It’s been three weeks now since he made his out-of-the-blue, six-hour visit to Pittsburgh. There’s a point where it just feels like the moment has passed.”
Florio thinks the Steelers are better off pivoting to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. At least he’s young and has upside.
“I want to roll the dice on the younger guy and see what he can do, because I might just have the next guy,” Florio said. “The Steelers have had Terry Bradshaw, long pause, Ben Roethlisberger, and now they’re hoping for a short pause. If it can be Shedeur Sanders next, so be it.
“I think it’s better to take the chance than get caught up in the lore of what Aaron Rodgers, at 41, could do for you.”
Florio makes a valid point, as the 41-year-old Rodgers might be washed. Warren Sharp of Sharp Football also pointed that out. He’s surprised that the Steelers are being held hostage by Rodgers, as Russell Wilson put up better numbers in several key categories last season.
Aaron Rodgers vs Russell Wilson in 2024
all attempts when kept clean (of 46 QBs)
Rodgers:
#34 in comp % over expectation
#31 in accuracy
#36 in YPA (6.8)
#37 in EPA/att (0.07)
#33 in success (47%)
#30 in...
