The Steelers finally locked down their quarterback situation in June, signing Aaron Rodgers as their clear QB1 for the 2025 season. It’s likely his NFL curtain call and yes, the Steelers are rolling the dice on a 42-year-old who tore his Achilles two seasons ago.
But Pittsburgh might’ve dodged a major headache in the quarterback market.
Before landing Rodgers, the Steelers had their sights on Matthew Stafford. They were Sports Illustrated reported as one of several teams trying to pry the veteran QB from Los Angeles when he was exploring trade options. Stafford ultimately re-signed with the Rams – but Wednesday brought concerning news that he’s now dealing with an aggravated disc in his back that required an epidural injection. The Rams are calling him “week-to-week,” which isn’t exactly what you want to hear about your franchise quarterback’s spine.
Talk about dodging a bullet.
Stafford’s Back Issues Could Validate Steelers’ Rodgers Gamble
Pittsburgh wasn’t alone in the Stafford sweepstakes. The Giants and Raiders also came up empty-handed in their pursuit of the Super Bowl champion. New York pivoted to a Wilson-Winston veteran combo while drafting Dart as their future option. Las Vegas traded for Smith after missing out.
The concerning part? This isn’t Stafford’s first rodeo with back problems. During the Rams’ 2022 Super Bowl defense, he appeared in just nine games. While multiple concussions were part of that story, what ultimately ended his season was a spinal cord contusion that landed him on IR.
The Rams expect their quarterback to be ready for Week 1, but let’s be real – a disc injury for a 37-year-old QB isn’t something to brush off.
Rodgers might be showing his age, but his 2024 numbers with the Jets weren’t terrible. He threw for 3,897 yards with 28 TDs and 11 INTs while completing 63% of his passes. Not quite his Green Bay MVP form, but serviceable production in a dysfunctional Jets offense.
Is Rodgers a lock to succeed in Pittsburgh at 42? Absolutely not. But at least he isn’t currently getting epidural injections in his spine.