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After a rocky and injury-shortened stint with the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers is aiming to revive his career in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old quarterback is joining a Steelers team led by head coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in 18 years. With an expanded playoff format, there’s a real shot Rodgers could help the team make a postseason run, maybe even chase another Super Bowl.
But there are questions. Rodgers is still recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in 2023, and his age and durability are major concerns. Even just staying healthy enough to keep Tomlin’s winning streak alive will be a challenge.
Rodgers recently addressed his future during an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show,” and he made it clear that this season will likely be his last.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is my last season, and that’s why we did just a one-year deal,” Rodgers said. “Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on it or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of fun, love, and peace for the career I’ve had. I’ve played 20 freaking years, it’s been a long run.”
Rodgers has made bold statements before, but this time he seemed honest and reflective. If he is done after this year, it leaves Pittsburgh needing a long-term solution at quarterback.
They may already have one in rookie Will Howard. The Steelers picked him in the sixth round after he helped lead Ohio State to a national championship. Howard has the size and arm strength teams look for, and with Rodgers ahead of him, he has time to learn and develop.
Still, with Rodgers’ age and injury history, the team can’t assume he’ll make it through the whole season. If something happens, Pittsburgh may choose to give Howard the chance to step in rather than revisit the Mason Rudolph experiment yet again.
Howard’s opportunity to start in the NFL may come sooner than expected, possibly even this season.