Several New York Jets coaches believe the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off one of the NFL’s biggest steals by acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason.
In his latest article, ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler polled league executives, scouts, and coaches on the best offseason moves. Among the responses, multiple coaches (including some from within the Jets organization) pointed to the Steelers’ signing of Rodgers as a significant win.
“While the skepticism is understandable, I’ve talked to several coaches who watched Rodgers closely last year, including members of the New York Jets staff,” wrote Fowler. “They believe Pittsburgh just got a steal.
“He’s still throwing the sh** out of the ball, honestly,” Fowler recalled from a veteran NFL offensive coach. “He’s the best quarterback they’ve had since [Ben Roethlisberger]. We will see how the body holds up, but I think he’s going to help them immensely.”
Note the “members of the New York Jets staff” verbiage. Fowler’s report should not be discredited, but it’s also important to analyze reports containing unnamed sources further.
From what it appears, members of the Jets’ 2024 staff, perhaps coaches, are reported as believing Rodgers can still throw the ball well. It remains unlikely that a current Jets coach is leaking verbiage to Fowler that the Steelers just “got a steal.”
Following his release from the Jets with a post-June 1 designation, Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with Pittsburgh. He enters the 2025 season as the unquestioned starter in Pittsburgh, set to lead a crowded quarterback room that includes Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson.
After a disappointing tenure in New York that produced just five wins over two seasons, Rodgers is aiming for a resurgence with a Steelers franchise known for regular-season consistency but recent postseason frustration.
Pittsburgh hasn’t posted a losing record since 2003, but the team hasn’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2017.
Rodgers started every game for the Jets in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 63% of his passes.
Fortunately, the drama-loving NFL audience and New York Jets won’t have to wait long to see if they made a mistake. Aaron Rodgers returns to MetLife Stadium to take on Gang Green in Week 1.
