For the second straight offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in quarterback limbo - and once again, Aaron Rodgers is at the center of it.
Rodgers hasn’t officially made a decision about his future, but the door to retirement is clearly cracked open. Still, with Mike McCarthy now in as head coach, there’s a renewed sense that a reunion could be in play, however unlikely it may seem. The Steelers reportedly have interest in bringing Rodgers back on a short-term deal, but if that happens, it raises a bigger question: What’s the long-term plan under center?
That’s where things get interesting. One analyst suggests that if Pittsburgh does roll the dice on Rodgers for another year, they should also make a move for New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler - not to start right away, but to learn behind the veteran.
Let’s unpack that.
Rodgers’ 2025 campaign didn’t exactly inspire confidence. His efficiency was among the lowest in the league - only Justin Fields and Brady Cook had a lower average depth of target.
And when it came to extending plays, the hallmark of Rodgers' game in his prime, the numbers were even more concerning. He ranked 39th out of 45 qualifying quarterbacks in success rate on extended dropbacks.
Simply put, the magic wasn’t there.
Rodgers still has the football IQ and experience to manage an offense, but his physical tools - the mobility, the arm strength, the improvisation - are clearly fading. That’s why the idea of pairing him with a young, moldable quarterback like Rattler has some merit.
Rattler, still on his rookie deal with the Saints through 2027, showed flashes earlier in his career but lost the starting job midway through the 2025 season to fellow rookie Tyler Shough. Shough didn’t just take the reins - he ran with them, closing out the year with a 4-1 record and putting himself firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation. That shift left Rattler on the outside looking in, and his future in New Orleans is suddenly murky.
So why Rattler for Pittsburgh? For starters, his playing style mirrors a younger Rodgers - quick release, confident arm, and a willingness to take risks.
He’s raw, no question, but the tools are there. Sitting behind a veteran like Rodgers, even one in the twilight of his career, could give Rattler the developmental runway he needs.
It’s not a stretch to imagine him soaking up knowledge from a future Hall of Famer while learning the ropes in a low-pressure environment.
Of course, that all hinges on Rodgers deciding to come back - and on the Steelers being willing to invest in a quarterback room that includes both a fading star and a developmental project. It’s a delicate balance. But with McCarthy now steering the ship, the idea of bringing back Rodgers - even for one last ride - feels more plausible than it did a few months ago.
Still, the clock is ticking. The Steelers need clarity at quarterback, and sooner rather than later. Whether that comes in the form of a Rodgers return, a trade for Rattler, or a completely new direction, Pittsburgh can’t afford to be stuck in neutral for another offseason.