AR Returning ?

[Gonzo]

you picked two games against crappy defenses ... again ... and sure he can be decent if Never under pressure. So surely its his linemans fault or WRs when he cant cleanly get rid of the ball in 1.5 seconds

and the disappointment is watching him bail under pressure while rolling his eyes about teammates gaffes when facing a good defense

[lifelongsteel]

Rodgers was pretty good. Passing to the worst group of WRs in the league. His inability to run for the occasional first down or to avoid pressure keep him from playing like a top 10 guy.

Yinz crack me up with Howard. The Steelers have been drafting late round QBs for years and, he's the first I recall getting this kind of steam. Sure he could hit. But he's 99% chance of being Scott Tolzien. In fact he may actually be Scott Tolzien. Anyone seem them together?

If you're going to bet on a 3-14 or 14-3 QB you need to bet on a QB with tools but either lack of experience or previous challenges with something that's fixable - think Josh Allen being incapable of throwing a screen pass under 100MPH. Willis is so obvious here that it hurts my head.

My assumption is that unlike Fury, they think they're close. They'll run it back with the same core (incl Rodgers) + 2-3 mid level FA + draft picks and see what they can do.

[CKSteeler]

Rodgers was pretty good. Passing to the worst group of WRs in the league. His inability to run for the occasional first down or to avoid pressure keep him from playing like a top 10 guy.

Yinz crack me up with Howard. The Steelers have been drafting late round QBs for years and, he's the first I recall getting this kind of steam. Sure he could hit. But he's 99% chance of being Scott Tolzien. In fact he may actually be Scott Tolzien. Anyone seem them together?

If you're going to bet on a 3-14 or 14-3 QB you need to bet on a QB with tools but either lack of experience or previous challenges with something that's fixable - think Josh Allen being incapable of throwing a screen pass under 100MPH. Willis is so obvious here that it hurts my head.

My assumption is that unlike Fury, they think they're close. They'll run it back with the same core (incl Rodgers) + 2-3 mid level FA + draft picks and see what they can do.

I don't know how you can really say Rodgers was pretty good unless you also thought end-stage Ben was pretty good.

Metcalf aint the force of nature freak people made him out to be when he entered the league. He's still a plus WR overall. He's better than say Diontae Johnson and Claypool post-rookie year put together.

Better OL by a large margin. Young and ascending versus a unit that had collapsed and the repair job hadn't even started.

Better RB's than fat slow Najee and noting else.

And then Arthur Smith doesn't have to be the whiz kid offensive guru to be better than Matt Canada.

But people give Rodgers excuse after excuse whereas no such grace was extended to the franchise HOF'er. Weird to me.

[.Kodiak]

you picked two games against crappy defenses ... again ... and sure he can be decent if Never under pressure. So surely its his linemans fault or WRs when he cant cleanly get rid of the ball in 1.5 seconds

and the disappointment is watching him bail under pressure while rolling his eyes about teammates gaffes when facing a good defense

In addition to all that, I think people see one good game and think that automatically means he could string 3-4 of those together [in the playoffs, no less].

Sure, Rodgers is still capable of a great game at any time. But you're not seeing him string games like that together. Most weeks you're getting entirely forgettable "journeyman" level play from Rodgers.

He's not "the best" option out there. In fact, because he won't sit or go quietly actually makes him LESS than other options.

[Gonzo]

maybe they can bring najee back and get thielen to re-up

[955876]

maybe they can bring najee back and get thielen to re-up

Are you certain they won’t ?

No level of dumb surprises me with this team.

[Gonzo]

maybe they can bring najee back and get thielen to re-up

Are you certain they won’t ?

No level of dumb surprises me with this team.

no I am not certain
If Rodgers comes back, maybe we ship out austin and wilson for a bag of donuts and bring back MVS and Thielen or at least some WRs, TEs and OL that Rodgers personally approves of

helps add to out strong veteran leadership of rodgers, cam and watt
i was thinking this year they could do podcasts right from the locker room after games -- interview Big Mike ...maybe explain to the Fans that what we just saw isnt really the whole story and let us know who to blame (other than them). a short piece on how they feed their families.

[W&M_Steeler]

In addition to all that, I think people see one good game and think that automatically means he could string 3-4 of those together [in the playoffs, no less].

Are you talking about Rodgers here or Willis?

If 4 years from now we're watching Willis as a Steeler running an anemic, inept offense for the fourth year in a row because the FO won't move on from him despite him not being very good, we're all going to be wishing they had signed Rodgers for one more year this year instead. At least Rodgers will be out of the league by then.

[swissvale72]

I'm wanting to see what we have in Howard before adding to the QB room. Give him a full pre-season, a season of tutelage from Rodgers....front office seems to like him, as does McCarthy...and FWIW, so does Gruden.

[Steelafan77]

Not going into this draft “having” to draft a QB. Need to “improve” at every position.

Couldn’t be more broad statements for the questions asked.

Those are just a couple comments Khan stated in the interview linked below.

https://www.nfl.com/videos/omar-kahn-jo ... 5399433943

[.Kodiak]

Are you talking about Rodgers here or Willis?

If 4 years from now we're watching Willis as a Steeler running an anemic, inept offense for the fourth year in a row because the FO won't move on from him despite him not being very good, we're all going to be wishing they had signed Rodgers for one more year this year instead. At least Rodgers will be out of the league by then.

Why does everyone act like the outcomes are binary? Steelers are just as likely to sign a Willis-like retread AFTER Rodgers for 4 years.

Who they sign and what they do AFTER Rodgers has fuck all to do with the fact that they shouldn't sign Rodgers PERIOD.

[W&M_Steeler]

Are you talking about Rodgers here or Willis?

If 4 years from now we're watching Willis as a Steeler running an anemic, inept offense for the fourth year in a row because the FO won't move on from him despite him not being very good, we're all going to be wishing they had signed Rodgers for one more year this year instead. At least Rodgers will be out of the league by then.

Why does everyone act like the outcomes are binary? Steelers are just as likely to sign a Willis-like retread AFTER Rodgers for 4 years.

Who they sign and what they do AFTER Rodgers has fuck all to do with the fact that they shouldn't sign Rodgers PERIOD.

Because those are the choices. If the Steelers don't sign Rodgers, they're going to sign a retread. They might roll with Mason, but unlikely. They're not going to go into the season with Howard as the presumed starter- no team would at this point. Maybe they'll take a QB high in the draft this year, but they'd still probably want a veteran to start the first year. Rodgers to me seems like the best of those bad choices.

2027 is still unknown, but the options will be different and perhaps better (particularly in the draft).

What is your solution that doesn't involve Rodgers, a Willis-type, Mason, or starting a 6th round player who hasn't taken a snap? All you all in on Simpson or Allar to come in and start in 2026? Do you want Flacco or Cousins for a bridge?

[lifelongsteel]

Based on what Khan has been saying at the Khanbine, they are running it all the way back. They think they are close and/or the playoffs are such a crapshoot that they are good enough.

Rodgers, Ramsey, Queen, Gainwell, Muth, R. Wilson, etc. Well, not Jonnu or Semu.

IMO if they move off of any of their expensive guys the most likely candidate is DK. The Steelers have little patience for nitwit WRs and have gotten rid of much better players for being headaches. And he's not a WR1, but he's paid like one.

Move DK for a 5th. Trade a 3rd for Waddle. Draft a guy or 2. Pull Roman's head out of his ass. Could work.

I think Waddle, with his crazy short area quickness, would work really well with Rodgers

[.Kodiak]

Because those are the choices. If the Steelers don't sign Rodgers, they're going to sign a retread. They might roll with Mason, but unlikely. They're not going to go into the season with Howard as the presumed starter- no team would at this point. Maybe they'll take a QB high in the draft this year, but they'd still probably want a veteran to start the first year. Rodgers to me seems like the best of those bad choices.

2027 is still unknown, but the options will be different and perhaps better (particularly in the draft).

What is your solution that doesn't involve Rodgers, a Willis-type, Mason, or starting a 6th round player who hasn't taken a snap? All you all in on Simpson or Allar to come in and start in 2026? Do you want Flacco or Cousins for a bridge?

Rodgers IS a retread at this point. My solution is simple - Rodgers or Flacco or similar until Howard or a rookie are ready for some snaps. Rodgers won't go along with that so he's do not sign in my book.

I'm fine with signing Rodgers IF AND ONLY IF he's good with eventually taking a seat for Howard or another young QB. Otherwise, Flacco is just as good of an option. Daniel Jones, even Garrapolo.

There's a whole host of "bridge" QBs out there. I don't agree Rodgers is above several others in that group. The decision comes down price and being willing to sit when the time comes.

And you're almost certainly going to be faced with the exact same decision next year, so I absolutely reject that signing Rodgers is in any shape or form "saving them from themselves". If you're scared they sign Willis to a 4-yr deal this year, you ought to be absurdly petrified shitless of that happening next year. You play Rodgers 17 games and you're actually taking a step backward toward finding that QB solution.

[.Kodiak]

Based on what Khan has been saying at the Khanbine, they are running it all the way back. They think they are close and/or the playoffs are such a crapshoot that they are good enough.

They've also been talking like they think Howard can be the future.

It's the offseason. What they are "saying" is meaningless and likely isn't what they are actually planning.

[W&M_Steeler]

Because those are the choices. If the Steelers don't sign Rodgers, they're going to sign a retread. They might roll with Mason, but unlikely. They're not going to go into the season with Howard as the presumed starter- no team would at this point. Maybe they'll take a QB high in the draft this year, but they'd still probably want a veteran to start the first year. Rodgers to me seems like the best of those bad choices.

2027 is still unknown, but the options will be different and perhaps better (particularly in the draft).

What is your solution that doesn't involve Rodgers, a Willis-type, Mason, or starting a 6th round player who hasn't taken a snap? All you all in on Simpson or Allar to come in and start in 2026? Do you want Flacco or Cousins for a bridge?

Rodgers IS a retread at this point. My solution is simple - Rodgers or Flacco or similar until Howard or a rookie are ready for some snaps. Rodgers won't go along with that so he's do not sign in my book.

I'm fine with signing Rodgers IF AND ONLY IF he's good with eventually taking a seat for Howard or another young QB. Otherwise, Flacco is just as good of an option. Daniel Jones, even Garrapolo.

There's a whole host of "bridge" QBs out there. I don't agree Rodgers is above several others in that group. The decision comes down price and being willing to sit when the time comes.

And you're almost certainly going to be faced with the exact same decision next year, so I absolutely reject that signing Rodgers is in any shape or form "saving them from themselves". If you're scared they sign Willis to a 4-yr deal this year, you ought to be absurdly petrified shitless of that happening next year. You play Rodgers 17 games and you're actually taking a step backward toward finding that QB solution.

Interesting perspective. I don't think there are many out there who oppose signing Rodgers but would support Flacco. I think it's premature to plan for Howard to be first string intentionally at any point next year other than through injury- I have low expectations for him- but I see what you're saying about Rodgers not willingly sitting if that were the scenario. I don't know how many others would sign on for that outside of someone completely finished like a Phil Rivers or a true back-up with no delusions about ever being a full-time starter again (like Mason)? Maybe Flacco falls into category 2.

I think a more realistic plan is for the Steelers to count on Howard or a high draft pick to be the #2 for the season, getting a season to learn and maybe some reps if Aaron or whoever gets injured. But they wouldn't be tied down by a big, long contract like they would be with Willis. No fears of signing Willis in 2027, as he will either be on another team or a clear bust (which is obviously what I expect). I think they'll end up drafting a QB round 1 in 2027 if they don't this year. But I think signing someone for more than two years right now would be a mistake given what's out there.

[swissvale72]

Because those are the choices. If the Steelers don't sign Rodgers, they're going to sign a retread. They might roll with Mason, but unlikely. They're not going to go into the season with Howard as the presumed starter- no team would at this point. Maybe they'll take a QB high in the draft this year, but they'd still probably want a veteran to start the first year. Rodgers to me seems like the best of those bad choices.

2027 is still unknown, but the options will be different and perhaps better (particularly in the draft).

What is your solution that doesn't involve Rodgers, a Willis-type, Mason, or starting a 6th round player who hasn't taken a snap? All you all in on Simpson or Allar to come in and start in 2026? Do you want Flacco or Cousins for a bridge?

Rodgers IS a retread at this point. My solution is simple - Rodgers or Flacco or similar until Howard or a rookie are ready for some snaps. Rodgers won't go along with that so he's do not sign in my book.

I'm fine with signing Rodgers IF AND ONLY IF he's good with eventually taking a seat for Howard or another young QB. Otherwise, Flacco is just as good of an option. Daniel Jones, even Garrapolo.

There's a whole host of "bridge" QBs out there. I don't agree Rodgers is above several others in that group. The decision comes down price and being willing to sit when the time comes.

And you're almost certainly going to be faced with the exact same decision next year, so I absolutely reject that signing Rodgers is in any shape or form "saving them from themselves". If you're scared they sign Willis to a 4-yr deal this year, you ought to be absurdly petrified shitless of that happening next year. You play Rodgers 17 games and you're actually taking a step backward toward finding that QB solution.

Interesting perspective. I don't think there are many out there who oppose signing Rodgers but would support Flacco. I think it's premature to plan for Howard to be first string intentionally at any point next year other than through injury- I have low expectations for him- but I see what you're saying about Rodgers not willingly sitting if that were the scenario. I don't know how many others would sign on for that outside of someone completely finished like a Phil Rivers or a true back-up with no delusions about ever being a full-time starter again (like Mason)? Maybe Flacco falls into category 2.

I think a more realistic plan is for the Steelers to count on Howard or a high draft pick to be the #2 for the season, getting a season to learn and maybe some reps if Aaron or whoever gets injured. But they wouldn't be tied down by a big, long contract like they would be with Willis. No fears of signing Willis in 2027, as he will either be on another team or a clear bust (which is obviously what I expect). I think they'll end up drafting a QB round 1 in 2027 if they don't this year. But I think signing someone for more than two years right now would be a mistake given what's out there.

Yes, sign Rodgers for a year, have him work with Howard through '26, have Howard ready to go in '27.

[gojira5150]

Are you talking about Rodgers here or Willis?

If 4 years from now we're watching Willis as a Steeler running an anemic, inept offense for the fourth year in a row because the FO won't move on from him despite him not being very good, we're all going to be wishing they had signed Rodgers for one more year this year instead. At least Rodgers will be out of the league by then.

Why does everyone act like the outcomes are binary? Steelers are just as likely to sign a Willis-like retread AFTER Rodgers for 4 years.

Who they sign and what they do AFTER Rodgers has fuck all to do with the fact that they shouldn't sign Rodgers PERIOD.

Because those are the choices. If the Steelers don't sign Rodgers, they're going to sign a retread. They might roll with Mason, but unlikely. They're not going to go into the season with Howard as the presumed starter- no team would at this point. Maybe they'll take a QB high in the draft this year, but they'd still probably want a veteran to start the first year. Rodgers to me seems like the best of those bad choices.

2027 is still unknown, but the options will be different and perhaps better (particularly in the draft).

What is your solution that doesn't involve Rodgers, a Willis-type, Mason, or starting a 6th round player who hasn't taken a snap? All you all in on Simpson or Allar to come in and start in 2026? Do you want Flacco or Cousins for a bridge?

I'd be down with Flacco. I think he's a better bridge than AR

[RemoAZ]

If they bring Rogers back or any of the older vets, they need to do what they didn't do for Ben. He needs the Elway/Peyton treatment at the end of their careers. Stud oline and running game. That means at minimum a high pick and FA for the left side of the line. If they aren't willing to do that, no matter how the QB plays we'll get similar results to last year. Maybe a win in the first round with an offensive coach and the Tomlin stink gone but not a real contender.