There are several teams in the NFL that could be looking for a new quarterback this offseason, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers had some success with Russell Wilson under center this past season. However, the season derailed late in the year, resulting in a disappointing playoff loss. Now, there is some speculation about a potential union with Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers could be a free agent this spring if the New York Jets decide to move on. On Feb. 12, FS1’s “Breakfast Ball” did a segment about landing spots for the future Hall of Fame signal-caller. The favorite to land Rodgers, according to their odds, is the Steelers.
The fit in Pittsburgh is certainly interesting, and one former Steelers wide receiver does not believe it would work out. Former Super Bowl champion Plaxico Burress told the “Breakfast Ball” desk that Pittsburgh may not be the most ideal landing spot for Rodgers.
Plaxico Burress Details Aaron Rodgers’ Potential Fit in Pittsburgh
.@plaxicoburress doesn't understand why the Steelers are favorites to land Aaron Rodgers 🤔
"Out of all the teams that are on that list, I'm going to cross out the team on the top and that's the Pittsburgh Steelers." pic.twitter.com/aYRUi3GBea
— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) February 12, 2025
“Out of all the teams that are on that list, I’m going to cross out the team on top. That’s the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Burress said. “For some reason, I don’t think he really fits the culture for what the Pittsburgh Steelers are. I don’t see him being able to co-exist with Mike Tomlin because the motto in Pittsburgh is obviously, ‘the standard is the standard.’
“Nobody is above the football team. And everywhere Aaron Rodgers has been, he’s always been above the football team. Mike Tomlin doesn’t care who you are. He’s going to call you out in a meeting, in front of the team, pull you in his office. You’re always going to know where you are with Mike Tomlin.
“And I just don’t see Aaron Rodgers, with Mike Tomlin, coming into this organization and those two guys being able to have a rapport and have a communication of what the Pittsburgh Steelers organization is all about,” Burress continued on Wednesday morning.
Rodgers was traded to the Jets from the Green Bay Packers following the 2022 NFL season. His tenure in New York began disastrously, tearing his Achilles tendon just four snaps into his team debut in 2023.
Rodgers played a full 17 games in 2024 following this injury. He completed 63% of his passes while throwing for nearly 3900 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also had a QB+ of 72.2, ranking 21st in the league. New York’s offense had issues clicking throughout the year. This resulted in the early season firing of Robert Saleh. Ultimately, the Jets finished 2024 with a record of 5-12.
New York is looking to take the next step on the field in 2025. They hired former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach. Glenn helped Detroit make an appearance in the NFC Championship Game in the 2023 season.
The Steelers, meanwhile, began the season 10-3 thanks in part to inspired play by Wilson under center. However, it fell apart in the stretch run. Pittsburgh lost their final four regular-season games. And in the playoffs, they suffered a dominant defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.
Both the Steelers and Jets have tough decisions to make in the offseason. Whether Rodgers leaves New York is still up in the air. In any event, a Tomlin offense led by the future Hall of Famer would certainly be a sight to behold.
