The unassailable right of an elite professional athlete has long been to (mostly) do whatever the heck he or she wants.
Shoes, mansions, cars ... shoot, former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas owned a shark tank. In his house. They do it because they can. The rest of the world gives them a hall pass on reality.
But what happens when their skills diminish?
That was a question I found myself pondering while Aaron Rodgers takes his sweet time considering the Steelers’ offer.
We’re waiting for … this? Apparently the pocket isn’t the only place where Rodgers moves slow.
As much as I found an unconventional marriage with Rodgers entertaining at the outset, no thanks now, especially if we’re talking about a $40-million-a-year price tag.
I promise the Steelers can replicate what Rodgers can do for cheaper. A lot cheaper.
In fact, I don’t have any qualms at this point about signing Jameis Winston for far less money and repurposing those savings into another wide receiver — one who could maybe even allow the Steelers to trade George Pickens for a second-round pick and replenish what was lost in the DK Metcalf trade, better positioning the team for the future and opening up the wide receiver route again in April’s draft.
If you think about the scenario, it essentially boils down to this: Would you rather have an imperfect quarterback situation with future assets or the present drama? First option, please.
For while I’m well aware Winston can hand out turnovers like a Pez dispenser — Mike Tomlin should pack his patience — there’s obviously a side to Rodgers that rubs some people the wrong way.
OK, a lot of them.
It’s also not to bag on Rodgers. He threw for nearly 3,900 yards along with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last year in his age 41 season. He was returning from Achilles surgery. The Jets stink.
In other words, I’m not convinced that Rodgers is cooked. However, potentially paying him $40 million per season and hoping that he grants the Steelers permission to do it?
Nah, I’ll pass.
Sooner or later, the scale on the silly stuff we’re willing to tolerate tips the other way. Not worth the hassle. There’s only so much upside.
Pretty sure we’re there. It’s been a fun flirtation, Aaron. Really. But we need to go home now. Have fun at the beach. Go buy some AirPods.
Seriously, it’s seemingly a choice for Rodgers between the Steelers, Giants, Vikings and retirement, not life-altering surgery. There’s been ample time to consider that fourth option. The first three shouldn’t take this long.
From the Steelers’ perspective, the financial commitment made to Metcalf ($33 million per season) does present a concern, albeit a good one. They need someone to get him the damn ball, otherwise they’re wasting money.
I suppose that could come from Mason Rudolph, signed for $8 million over two years to be a backup. Certainly no issue with that deal and curious whether he can recreate any of that late 2023 magic.
But at this point, the Steelers could use another option, and Winston is certainly near the top of the list when it comes to pure arm talent — though we obviously need to account for his 111 interceptions over 105 NFL games.
Yeah, it’s a lot. Winston can also chuck it with the best of ’em.
Given how the Steelers offensive line struggled down the stretch, not to mention Broderick Jones changing positions, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have someone more mobile than Rodgers. Which is to say, well, most QBs in 2025.
I know the reporting out there, but it’s also hard to see a path to a Wilson reunion at this point. They wanted him or Justin Fields, team president Art Rooney II said. So why isn’t Wilson here?
The leaked audible report is a pretty big Matzah ball. I’m not even sure I’d prefer Wilson over Winston. We know how one looks. Let’s change a letter, add another and see. (You just did it in your head. Admit it.)
If the Winston-Rudolph combo fails — and it might — whatever. It could put the Steelers in the same place they would’ve been with Rodgers: mediocre and positioned to take their quarterback of the future in 2026, when draft options abound.
In the meantime, I’d prefer the Steelers send the message that they’d rather employ guys who genuinely want to be here instead of someone who gives the impression they’re having to pick only a select few family members to save.
If it was Rodgers in his prime, sure, I’d wait. Elite, team-changing type of player. Take the absurdity we’re programmed to tolerate with elite athletes.
Not now.
And unless that answer arrives in about 30 seconds, it’s time to move on.
First Published: March 14, 2025, 2:25 p.m.
Updated: March 14, 2025, 9:06 p.m.
