Credit: Dan Powers-The Post-Crescent/USA TODAY Sports
With a quarterback question and his likely availability, here’s how the Pittsburgh Steelers could make an offseason trade for Aaron Rodgers.
On Sunday, the 2-1 Green Bay Packers will welcome the 1-2 Pittsburgh Steelers to Lambeau Field. The narrative around the two teams has shifted over the last couple weeks, with Aaron Rodgers rebounding playing well again and Ben Roethlisberger continuing to look like he’s just done.
On Tuesday, Rodgers spoke glowingly of the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“Mike Tomlin, you know, been there forever,” said Rodgers. “I have a ton of respect for Mike. I think he’s a fantastic coach. I love the way that he leads. I love the way he talks after the games. He always seems to keep things really even keel. It looks like he’s someone that the players love playing for him.”
It’s abundantly clear Rodgers is frustrated with his situation in Green Bay. No matter what happens, it will more surprising if this isn’t his last season with the Packers than if it is. It’ll come down to the front office’s willingness to trade him come the offseason, with the clock ticking on Jordan Love’s rookie contract.
It’s easy to point to a Week 7 bye as a turning point for the Steelers continuing with Roethlisberger through this entire season. If they are 1-5, a change could be made that allows Roethlisberger to cite an injury or (though very unlikely) retire mid-season.
Looking to the offseason, Rodgers has now made it easy to invite speculation tying him to the Steelers. But could they make a deal to get him?
3 offseason trade packages for the Steelers to get Aaron Rodgers
Steelers Get
QB Aaron Rodgers
Packers Get
2022 First-Round Pick
2022 Day 2 Pick (Second or Third-Round)
2023 First-Round Pick
2023 Third-Round Pick
The Steelers have not had a losing season under Tomlin, who’s now into his 15th season as head coach. That streak may come to an end this season, and land that first-round pick next April in the top half of the first round. That’s the starting point for a strictly draft pick offer, which could be added to or modified to make sure it gets Green Bay’s attention.