The Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a starting quarterback despite having three on the current roster. After the team’s third-round selection of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, the current quarterback room in Pittsburgh holds veteran Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Allar. Of course, it and the team would look a whole lot better if Rodgers were back for one more year.
While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, former NFL GM and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum spoke about the uncertainty under center for the Steelers. In fact, he pushed for the team to be more urgent as it pertains to signing Rodgers.
Chemistry Is Key for the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyIf he returns this year, Aaron Rodgers will be playing in his 22nd career NFL season.Here is what Tannenbaum had to say about the Steelers needing to try harder to get Rodgers signed:
“To me, there should be a sense of urgency. He’s going to be 43 in December. We know he’s closer to the end than the beginning. But if he is there, that means everybody else has to be there. He knows the offense because he’s been with (Mike) McCarthy for a long time in Green Bay. But there are players like a Rico Dowdle, a Michael Pittman, that would benefit from being around Aaron…If I were (the Steelers), let’s get this thing signed and let’s get rolling.”
The sooner that Rodgers signs with the Steelers, should he decide to return, the better for the club. That way, he can continue his chemistry with his teammates from a season ago, as well as his old head coach for 13 seasons in Green Bay, Mike McCarthy. Furthermore, he could create new chemistry with new potential teammates on offense, such as two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and back-to-back 1,000-yard running back Rico Dowdle.
Aaron Rodgers Was Underrated in 2025
GettyAaron Rodgers posted a passer rating of 94.8 last season.
There is no doubt that the Steelers would be the most potent with Rodgers as the starter this upcoming season. On the way to recording 25 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions last season, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP helped lead the Steelers to their first AFC North title in five years. Despite battling a fractured wrist and age, Rodgers showed why he is arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. Keep in mind, he did this two seasons removed from a torn Achilles.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, should Rodgers return, he’ll reunite with McCarthy, who helped him win the first two MVPs and seven Pro Bowls of his career. Plus, he’ll likely be playing with the best offensive core that he has had in the Steel City. Pro Bowl pass-catcher DK Metcalf and Pittman could be one of the best big-bodied wide receiver duos, and the duo of Dowdle and Jaylen Warren could be a truly bruising one. Time will tell if the future first-ballot Hall of Famer in Rodgers can put pen to paper and return for one more run at history in Pittsburgh.
Former GM Takes Shot at Steelers Amid QB Uncertainty