The Pittsburgh Steelers are feeling optimistic about reaching a potential contract agreement with Aaron Rodgers, even though the veteran quarterback has not yet arrived at the team's facility.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, while the organization is currently focused on rookie minicamp and related events, General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have maintained ongoing communication with Rodgers over the past few weeks.
There is a belief within the organization that a deal is close to being finalized, and a formal visit is anticipated soon.
Despite the excitement in Pittsburgh, a recent report from Sports Illustrated presents a more critical view from the team's opponents.
A rival defensive coordinator who faced Rodgers last season offered a candid assessment of the quarterback's current physical condition, noting a decline in his mobility.
The coordinator stated that while Rodgers' arm strength remains as impressive as it was a decade ago, he has lost much of his capability to escape the pocket.
He explained that Rodgers can still move within the pocket but is no longer the same threat to scramble or make explosive, off-script plays.
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Additionally, the report suggests that Rodgers is now more focused on avoiding hits than in previous years.
Nevertheless, the coordinator concluded that the veteran's passing talent is still elite, declaring, “he can still f—ing throw it.”
This assessment hasn't dampened the spirits of Steelers legends.
Former linebacker Ryan Shazier recently gave a strong endorsement, predicting that Rodgers can lead Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl championship in 2026.
Shazier believes that the combination of Rodgers' experience and the team's existing veteran leadership provides an excellent foundation for one last championship run, potentially bringing another Lombardi Trophy to the city.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are feeling optimistic about reaching a potential contract agreement with Aaron Rodgers, even though the veteran quarterback has not yet arrived at the team's facility. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, while the organization is currently focused on rookie minicamp and related events, General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have maintained ongoing communication with Rodgers over the past few weeks.