When a franchise quarterback hangs up his cleats after his 15+ year career, some lean years typically follow. The Pittsburgh Steelers post-Ben Roethlisberger have been no different. As a fan, it’s not a fun time. You put your heart and soul into rooting for a team on a weekly basis that has legitimate aspirations and then…poof, it’s gone.
The list of futile quarterbacks to come through the Steel City since Roethlisberger’s hasn’t grown nearly as long as the Cleveland Browns but they’ve had no luck in finding a worthwhile replacement.
One team that hopped from one franchise quarterback to another…and possibly even another if Jordan Love continues to grow, is the Green Bay Packers. They went from Brett Favre directly to Aaron Rodgers. When considering the quick turnaround, it really puts into perspective this ironic full circle moment that could soon happen: Aaron Rodgers putting pen to paper on a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh has tried every avenue to obtain their guy since Big Ben’s departure. They used Mason Rudolph, a man who was drafted while Roethlisberger was still here as a potential heir apparent. Kenny Pickett was drafted in the first round. Mitch Trubisky, a younger option at the time and a former top five pick, was signed in free agency. They acquired Justin Fields through a trade with the Chicago Bears.
Then there was Russell Wilson…
Wilson was jettisoned out of Seattle after a few down seasons and sent to Denver for a short stint where he didn’t quite see eye-to-eye with Sean Payton. Despite being closer to 40 than he was 30, the Steelers signed him and intended to play him over a much younger Fields. While the early returns were good, he collapsed down the stretch and has led us back to discuss Rodgers.
It’s no secret that Rodgers’ personality is that of a player that the Steelers typically stayed away from in previous years. He’s a headliner that comes off as someone who mostly only cares about himself and no one else around him. Sure, he’ll say all the right things in public but he also throws guys under the bus on the Pat McAfee Show or in the media postgame.
Are the decision makers involved in said decision aware that George Pickens and DK Metcalf, two of the league’s more noteworthy malcontents are on the roster? If he utters one negative word in the media about either of those guys, it’s sure to blow up the locker room in a way that seems to have been bubbling for the last few seasons under Mike Tomlin.
If you think Aaron Rodgers is an upgrade over their previous options, fine. You’re entitled to that opinion. I’m not even saying you’re wrong. What the Steelers absolutely should not be standing for is being clowned by a guy that isn’t even on the roster.
This once proud franchise that preached stability and all those core values is falling further from those standards every day.
There is no doubt Rodgers’ personality is one that craves the attention his free agent market is getting. That is undeniable. If the spotlight is on him, he would like nothing more. The Steelers find themselves competing with the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings for a “premier” free agent. Seriously?
Re-read that last sentence and try to conceptualize that happening five years ago. It’s unfathomable.
You aren’t going to find another chance at a franchise quarterback without trading your next three years worth of first rounders out. Mason Rudolph came back to the Steelers expecting to be the backup but knowing that his number could be called. Throw him a bone.
Maybe he isn’t the answer and I think it is quite possible that he isn’t but what is wrong with him as your bridge quarterback? The guys in the locker room seem to like him from his previous stint in Pittsburgh as it is largely the same team. If he stinks, he did you the favor of finally bottoming out and having a top-10 pick in a draft that will take place in your own city where you can pick the potential next franchise QB in front of your hometown fans.
You’re likely to get the same results with Mason Rudolph as you would with Aaron Rodgers and sacrificing a win or two along the way to prevent the proverbial roof from blowing off the locker room is worth it in the long run.
It’s time to stop letting a 41-year old has-been hold an entire franchise hostage as if he’s prime Tom-Brady hitting free agency.