After two seasons with the New York Jets the place there was a number of stress to be the savior of a moribund franchise, 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers now simply must be one of many guys and play profitable soccer with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
At the very least, that’s how ESPN’s Peter Schrager sees issues. Throughout an look Monday morning on ESPN’s Get Up, Schrager acknowledged he believes Rodgers can simply concentrate on taking part in soccer, fairly than being the face of the franchise and carrying the stress of being a franchise savior, much like how he was considered in New York after coming over from Inexperienced Bay to a franchise that hasn’t received in years.
On a veteran-laden crew with loads of stars and guys who’ve a substantial amount of expertise, Schrager believes Rodgers is getting into an awesome state of affairs and is aware of easy methods to succeed with a Pittsburgh cultural mindset, one thing he’s performed all through his profession.
“He confirmed as much as New York final tenure right here and two years in the past, and it was, ‘Right here’s the whole franchise, save us.’ Like, ‘Go save us. Make it occur.’ And he introduced in all his guys, and he had his offensive coordinator. And has the load of the world was behind him. He is available in right here [Pittsburgh], $10 million contract, which is a good worth from Omar Khan and the entrance workplace. And ‘We’re gonna put you in a state of affairs the place now we have veterans already, simply play soccer, simply play,’” Schrager mentioned, in line with video by way of ESPN. “‘You may have a one-year deal. Simply play soccer and be nice.’ And I believe the Arthur Smith offense works, however I’ll add this: you may have a look at that blend between the Pittsburgh tradition of blue-collar, hardworking guys.
“His biggest success has been with Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh man. Alex Van Pelt, a Pittsburgh man, Tom Clements, a Pittsburgh man. I believe Rodgers is aware of that Pittsburgh mindset, is aware of that market. And I believe it really makes a number of sense that he could possibly be plugged proper in. Let’s go play soccer and win video games.”
When Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets proper earlier than the 2023 NFL Draft, there have been a number of expectations positioned on him and the Jets, a franchise that has been a multitude for largely the final 20+ years. Rodgers was considered because the savior, the man who could lead on the Jets again to relevancy.
The Jets gave him a substantial amount of management and affect, bringing in former teammates to play with him, in addition to a few of his favourite coaches. Then, Rodgers tore his Achilles 4 performs into the 2023 season. In 2024, it wasn’t any higher as Rodgers struggled, the Jets have been a prepare wreck, and coaches and entrance workplace personnel have been fired.
Rodgers was unceremoniously launched by the Jets this offseason, a transfer that he ripped new head coach Aaron Glenn for, however now he’s with a coach he respects an awesome deal in Mike Tomlin. He additionally appears to have a strong relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for the time being, having been in touch with him all through a lot of the offseason because the saga dragged out concerning if he’d signal with the Steelers or retire.
In Pittsburgh, there’s nonetheless some questions at receiver behind DK Metcalf. There are additionally considerations a couple of younger offensive line that might be beginning a brand new left sort out in Broderick Jones and an inexperienced proper sort out in Troy Fautanu, who began only one recreation final 12 months as a rookie earlier than being misplaced for the season.
The Steelers ought to have a robust operating recreation, although, with a trio of backs in rookie Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, which is one thing Rodgers didn’t have throughout his time in New York.
So, issues look fairly strong for Rodgers in Pittsburgh, a minimum of on paper. He doesn’t must be the savior, simply wants to return in and play soccer. That looks like good wager for him, particularly in Pittsburgh’s tradition, which is one thing he’s aware of from earlier coaches and has had a substantial amount of success in, too.
