AR Returning ?

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steelmann58
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AR Returning ?

Post by steelmann58 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:54 am

Seems like there is a bunch of talk of him returning. I not sure this is the best thing for the Steelers but without any QB in this draft and not sure you’re overpaying for a guy like Willis. You’re not trading for a guy like Tua or Jones or Richardson. So I might just having AR for another season and going with Howard as our number two. So it comes down to Flacco AR and Cousins in the old man club
Last edited by steelmann58 on Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:18 am, edited 1 time in total.



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Dan Smith--BYU
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Post by Dan Smith--BYU » Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:02 am

He had a decent year and probably won't last another so I am fine with it.

Plus I like the guy.
The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.

Nietzsche

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Steelperch
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Post by Steelperch » Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:36 am

Anything that prevents us from bottoming out and rebuilding a Super Bowl contender I’m all for.

Gonzo
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Post by Gonzo » Mon Feb 09, 2026 5:57 am

I can’t wait
When Tomlin left I as really hoping for mediocrity in perpetuity and bland stale offense with an immobile old QB
Maybe next year they can devise an offense where he can rid of the ball in Less the one second or curl up into a ball and play dead

Again … why in the world would we want him back .. other than another wasted year of pretending

CKSteeler
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Post by CKSteeler » Mon Feb 09, 2026 6:25 am

Gonzo wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 5:57 am
I can’t wait
When Tomlin left I as really hoping for mediocrity in perpetuity and bland stale offense with an immobile old QB
Maybe next year they can devise an offense where he can rid of the ball in Less the one second or curl up into a ball and play dead

Again … why in the world would we want him back .. other than another wasted year of pretending
i mean, that's all it really is about. McCarthy got the job by pretending that this was a team on the cusp of something. Art II lapped it up like STD in a dog costume at the local glory hole.

Rodgers will be back if he chooses to. The goal will be to punch that ticket to the post-season again. Nearly every strand to the past legacy of this franchise is nearly broken at this point when you really look at it so we're just cheering for laundry at this point.

Um, I guess the only thing I'll find entertaining this year is watching all the veterans who spent years blowing Tomlin for his greatness singing the praises of Fat White Offensive Mike Tomlin now. I mean, they'd NEVER play for another coach (until the reality set in that they still get to keep cashing those checks)!

CKSteeler
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Post by CKSteeler » Mon Feb 09, 2026 6:27 am

Like, come on! Who doesn't enjoy Heyward talking about how he's going to keep playing to build his legacy and the HOF case he's been trying to build. I don't think he ever mentioned like winning a playoff game let alone a ring in those statements, but he can probably add like another 4 sacks to his total here dude! Think about that amazing legacy that Steelers fans will get to tell their grandchildren about one day when they ask who the fuck Cam Heyward was.

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.Kodiak
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Post by .Kodiak » Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:03 pm

I mean, there is something to be said for at least a serviceable QB so other guys can learn and be evaluated.

Again, for everyone who keeps advocating to suck so we can draft a QB high, you might want to consider rooting for the Browns...who have been sucking to draft QBs for over 2 decades now.

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Post by swissvale72 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:53 pm

I dunno...I think the comparisons of McCarthy to Tomlin are inaccurate. Hes light years ahead of Tomlin offensively and as a head coach, always was despite most of you asshats, for years, rating Tomlin ahead of him.

And I don't get the hate for Cam following an arguably strong year for him.

Okay, Steelers may not be a legit SB contender, but their roster is stronger than many of you believe, and I think AR coming back, perhaps provide some tutelage to Howard, is a good thing. Doesn't mean that Howard is the answer, the QB answer may be in next years draft, but let's see

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Post by Stosh-67 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:23 pm

Bringing AA back certainly aligns with their goal of getting to NHALS-23

I would really like to see what Howard has.
With 12 draft picks.....gotta believe they Draft a QB.
even if its a 3rd or a 4th. ...as we have ( 5 ) 3rd and 4th round picks.

Maybe they bring him back and he gets banged up early....
and its Howard under the tuteledge of AA?

AA brainwaves has helped more than we can imagine....here is just one story.
Nice comments from Jack Sawyer on AA helping him understand some QB thought process.
https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi/ne ... ack-sawyer
"One of my first practices and I'd met him, we talked a little bit at lunch or whatever and then like that next day, I'm dropping like to the hook/curl, I'm dropping in the middle of the field. He's just staring at me smiling, like dropping back, looking at me smiling," Sawyer said. "All of a sudden he just throws it while he is looking at me, throws it somewhere else. 'Stop looking at my f*cking eyes!' and started laughing. But then I talked to him about it, and he explained from his perspective, 'Hey, if the end's dropping here, I know what coverage you're in. So, I don't even really need to look at where guys are at. I know where I'm throwing the ball as soon as I catch it,' pretty much type of deal, which is nuts"
"Tomlin has never appreciated the role of scheme and play call in the ability for player's to execute" Kodiak.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23975

Stosh-67
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Post by Stosh-67 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:26 pm

OTOH....

Imagine AA dropping back vs. the Seahawks or PATS defense.....as those two teams defenses kept getting better each week up to the SB.
Or the Denver defense.
"Tomlin has never appreciated the role of scheme and play call in the ability for player's to execute" Kodiak.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23975

swissvale72
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Post by swissvale72 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:58 pm

Stosh-67 wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:23 pm
Bringing AA back certainly aligns with their goal of getting to NHALS-23

I would really like to see what Howard has.
With 12 draft picks.....gotta believe they Draft a QB.
even if its a 3rd or a 4th. ...as we have ( 5 ) 3rd and 4th round picks.

Maybe they bring him back and he gets banged up early....
and its Howard under the tuteledge of AA?

AA brainwaves has helped more than we can imagine....here is just one story.
Nice comments from Jack Sawyer on AA helping him understand some QB thought process.
https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi/ne ... ack-sawyer
"One of my first practices and I'd met him, we talked a little bit at lunch or whatever and then like that next day, I'm dropping like to the hook/curl, I'm dropping in the middle of the field. He's just staring at me smiling, like dropping back, looking at me smiling," Sawyer said. "All of a sudden he just throws it while he is looking at me, throws it somewhere else. 'Stop looking at my f*cking eyes!' and started laughing. But then I talked to him about it, and he explained from his perspective, 'Hey, if the end's dropping here, I know what coverage you're in. So, I don't even really need to look at where guys are at. I know where I'm throwing the ball as soon as I catch it,' pretty much type of deal, which is nuts"
See, I'm not buying that the goal is NHALS 23. Somewhat nuanced, but in this case, I'm believing what are two is saying… That he's simply unwilling to throw away a year. Personally, if AR is coming back, I'm looking forward to this year under McCarthy or we're not gonna have Jonnu smith and three tight ends in the game at the same time incessant substitutions fucking with the rhythm of things. I'm looking forward to this offense being under McCarthy rather than Arthur Smith.

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Dan Smith--BYU
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Post by Dan Smith--BYU » Mon Feb 09, 2026 3:25 pm

The argument that "tanking" a year is the way to greatness via draft eye candy is not borne out by history. Let's not forget that 2026 was supposed to be a league changing QB draft class and all but one prospect went the wrong way as a senior.

The Pats, Eagles, Chiefs, Packers all reloaded with HOF or SB winning QBs when they were pretty good.

Close but no cigar for the tank to victory theory was Cam Newton and I can't think of another.

If they happen to suck in a year of change or injuries, so be it, but trying to manipulate it doesn't work.

And most of you would bitch nonstop if they did it anyway by starting an inexperienced QB who failed to be rookie Daniels or Ben which is almost a certainty.

https://goingfor2.com/tanks-for-nothing ... esnt-work/
The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.

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Post by CKSteeler » Mon Feb 09, 2026 3:43 pm

.Kodiak wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:03 pm
I mean, there is something to be said for at least a serviceable QB so other guys can learn and be evaluated.

Again, for everyone who keeps advocating to suck so we can draft a QB high, you might want to consider rooting for the Browns...who have been sucking to draft QBs for over 2 decades now.
I want them to stop putting band-aids on the roster and that's all Rodgers is. If signing a guy like that let's you compete for a Super Bowl or even get close, knock yourself out. But does anyone believe that besides Art II? So what are we doing even bothering? It does nothing but take you further from where you want to end up.

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Post by CKSteeler » Mon Feb 09, 2026 3:45 pm

swissvale72 wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:53 pm
I dunno...I think the comparisons of McCarthy to Tomlin are inaccurate. Hes light years ahead of Tomlin offensively and as a head coach, always was despite most of you asshats, for years, rating Tomlin ahead of him.

And I don't get the hate for Cam following an arguably strong year for him.

Okay, Steelers may not be a legit SB contender, but their roster is stronger than many of you believe, and I think AR coming back, perhaps provide some tutelage to Howard, is a good thing. Doesn't mean that Howard is the answer, the QB answer may be in next years draft, but let's see
Swiss you spent some portion of this season talking about the Steelers defense making this or that win possible against top teams. I'm assuming you watched last night.

Do you really think the Steelers vaunted highest paid defense in the league is anywhere near Seattle's which also happens to rely on a bunch of young guys and not two "stars" who are near the end?

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Post by swissvale72 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 4:25 pm

CKSteeler wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 3:45 pm
swissvale72 wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:53 pm
I dunno...I think the comparisons of McCarthy to Tomlin are inaccurate. Hes light years ahead of Tomlin offensively and as a head coach, always was despite most of you asshats, for years, rating Tomlin ahead of him.

And I don't get the hate for Cam following an arguably strong year for him.

Okay, Steelers may not be a legit SB contender, but their roster is stronger than many of you believe, and I think AR coming back, perhaps provide some tutelage to Howard, is a good thing. Doesn't mean that Howard is the answer, the QB answer may be in next years draft, but let's see
Swiss you spent some portion of this season talking about the Steelers defense making this or that win possible against top teams. I'm assuming you watched last night.

Do you really think the Steelers vaunted highest paid defense in the league is anywhere near Seattle's which also happens to rely on a bunch of young guys and not two "stars" who are near the end?
Well, of course it's nowhere near Seattle's, but whose is? And age might be taxing my memory, but I don't remember singing the praises of the Steelers defense from the past season on any consistent basis, though they were times they had some strong performances. I think defensively they have an improved defensive line though could continue to use more help there, I think they have strength at the OLB position. They have some strengths in the secondary as well, although both the secondary in ILB positions are questionable where I think the roster is stronger than giving credit for is offensively. I think their line is solid. I think their tight ends are solid. I think running backs if they can re-sign Kenny G is good. They obviously need to strengthen that wide receiver room, which I believe they'll do through the draft and obviously let's see what happens at QBi .

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.Kodiak
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Post by .Kodiak » Mon Feb 09, 2026 5:14 pm

CKSteeler wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 3:43 pm
.Kodiak wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:03 pm
I mean, there is something to be said for at least a serviceable QB so other guys can learn and be evaluated.

Again, for everyone who keeps advocating to suck so we can draft a QB high, you might want to consider rooting for the Browns...who have been sucking to draft QBs for over 2 decades now.
I want them to stop putting band-aids on the roster and that's all Rodgers is. If signing a guy like that let's you compete for a Super Bowl or even get close, knock yourself out. But does anyone believe that besides Art II? So what are we doing even bothering? It does nothing but take you further from where you want to end up.
I'm saying we don't know what Howard has, and Mason's ceiling is average backup. That's not a bandaid, that's a real issue that you need a minimum level of QB play in order for the other guys on offense to grow and learn.

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tbsteel
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Post by tbsteel » Mon Feb 09, 2026 6:49 pm

I don't think there's much more of a depressing scenario than week one watching Aaron Rodgers jog out of the tunnel followed by Mike McCarthy's lard ass waddling out as well.

If Rodgers comes back, I hope he gets hurt bad and regrets it for the rest of his life.
*roots for losses*

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Dan Smith--BYU
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Post by Dan Smith--BYU » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:00 pm

"If Rodgers comes back, I hope he gets hurt bad and regrets it for the rest of his life."

I didn't realize Danica Patrick was poasting here.
The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.

Nietzsche

swissvale72
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Post by swissvale72 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:12 pm

tbsteel wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 6:49 pm
I don't think there's much more of a depressing scenario than week one watching Aaron Rodgers jog out of the tunnel followed by Mike McCarthy's lard ass waddling out as well.

If Rodgers comes back, I hope he gets hurt bad and regrets it for the rest of his life.
All this fat-shaming of poor Mike McCarthy on this site

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Post by Gonzo » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:16 pm

.Kodiak wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 1:03 pm
I mean, there is something to be said for at least a serviceable QB so other guys can learn and be evaluated.

Again, for everyone who keeps advocating to suck so we can draft a QB high, you might want to consider rooting for the Browns...who have been sucking to draft QBs for over 2 decades now.
at least we arent the Browns -- the new motto of the Art Rooney Pittsburgh Steelers
and how do we know that -- because you big dummy .... we are 9-8

and big dummy is a tribute to the recently deceased Lamont Sanford

Gonzo
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Post by Gonzo » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:25 pm

and we disagree on all sorts of things around here ... I just dont get any desire to have AR back. I dont see the sense on any level
and I am not talking about inevitability of how the Steelers will roll -- pick anyone else except the 43yr old immobile injury waiting to happen. anything else has hope even slim. He is custom-made window of 7-10 to 10-7 no playoff win, quick pass or flop. and his return means thats OK by us.

I would rather they try Malik Willis and I dont really like that either

cousins or rodgers is waving the white flag

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steelmann58
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Post by steelmann58 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:28 pm

If AR is back this team is not going anywhere and this team continues to go around with No Qb capable of winning a SB

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tbsteel
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Post by tbsteel » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:31 pm

swissvale72 wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:12 pm
tbsteel wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 6:49 pm
I don't think there's much more of a depressing scenario than week one watching Aaron Rodgers jog out of the tunnel followed by Mike McCarthy's lard ass waddling out as well.

If Rodgers comes back, I hope he gets hurt bad and regrets it for the rest of his life.
All this fat-shaming of poor Mike McCarthy on this site

Hey swiss, did you know that Mike McCarthy is an ENORMOUS lard ass?

It's a known fact that he physically hasn't been able to wipe his own ass in over two decades. He literally can't reach around the girth of his enormously wide, fat ass.

Most people don't know this, but part of his contract with the Steelers involved the construction of a custom built toilet in his home. No normal toilet can hold up his ginormous fat ass, so they had to custom build a toilet that basically is like a small pool. McCarthy waddles down into it and just lays on his back in a pool of water, shitting his guts out. He's then pulled out of the water by steel robotic arms and then sprayed down like an elephant that has been caked its own shit. The pool is drained and refilled again after each use and rumor is he uses it at least 5 times a day.

He is so fucking fat it's sickening. Watching him talk I literally have to look away from the shockwaves of his fat fucking cheeks rippling like aftershocks every time he moves his mouth.

In summary, he's a fat fucking bastard.
*roots for losses*

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Post by StillerDownSouth » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:32 pm

Rodgers was horrific against every good defense he faced last season, dude still has an arm and an elite brain, but that's it, if he were to return he would need to be surrounded by a much better supporting cast.

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Post by drmalba » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:41 pm

tbsteel wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 6:49 pm
I don't think there's much more of a depressing scenario than week one watching Aaron Rodgers jog out of the tunnel followed by Mike McCarthy's lard ass waddling out as well.
Schefty says, "hold my beer"

Adam Schefter Shares Steelers Two New QB Options https://share.google/4EbyKmQ4vdDMBOXQz

swissvale72
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Post by swissvale72 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:41 pm

StillerDownSouth wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:32 pm
Rodgers was horrific against every good defense he faced last season, dude still has an arm and an elite brain, but that's it, if he were to return he would need to be surrounded by a much better supporting cast.
From my memory, horrific against San Diego, Cleveland, Houston? Anyone else?

Gonzo
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Post by Gonzo » Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:05 pm

swissvale72 wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:41 pm
StillerDownSouth wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:32 pm
Rodgers was horrific against every good defense he faced last season, dude still has an arm and an elite brain, but that's it, if he were to return he would need to be surrounded by a much better supporting cast.
From my memory, horrific against San Diego, Cleveland, Houston? Anyone else?
Sure
Awful against Seattle and buffalo and pats
Distinct pattern vs good defenses vs bad ones
He cannot handle any decent pass rush … obviously if you will

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franco32
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Post by franco32 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:16 pm

You start Will Howard and take your lumps...Period. I know everyone is saying you can't tank for a QB and that every season is different. However, next year really does have a TON of QBs. It's hard to believe all of these QBs will bust next year:

Sayin
Sellers
Sorsby
Manning
D. Moore
Mensah
Maiava
Raiola
Leavitt
Mateer
Lagway

There are probably others I've forgotten. You would think 3 of these could have a great year and with a tank job we could be in reach of one of them. Full disclosure I only like a few of them. But, let's face it, you usually need to be in the top 15 to get a franchise QB.

swissvale72
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Post by swissvale72 » Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:41 pm

Gonzo wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:05 pm
swissvale72 wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:41 pm
StillerDownSouth wrote:
Mon Feb 09, 2026 7:32 pm
Rodgers was horrific against every good defense he faced last season, dude still has an arm and an elite brain, but that's it, if he were to return he would need to be surrounded by a much better supporting cast.
From my memory, horrific against San Diego, Cleveland, Houston? Anyone else?
Sure
Awful against Seattle and buffalo and pats
Distinct pattern vs good defenses vs bad ones
He cannot handle any decent pass rush … obviously if you will
I'll give you buffalo… But against Seattle touchdown in two pics one pick of which arguably could've been a touchdown had Austin not fucked up. New England??? Two touchdowns one interception including the game winner in the fourth quarter . awful??? I don't think so

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Dan Smith--BYU
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Post by Dan Smith--BYU » Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:52 pm

If they sign Murray or Tua they might as well sign Dillon Gabriel.

Horror.
The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.

Nietzsche

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