Reacting to Aaron Rodgers, Steelers agree to a one-year contract | Scoop City Emergency Pod

Summary

Podcast Summary: Reacting to Aaron Rodgers, Steelers Agree to a One-Year Contract | Scoop City Emergency Pod

Release Date: June 5, 2025

Hosts: Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel

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Introduction

In this episode of Scoop City Emergency Pod, The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini and longtime NFL quarterback Chase Daniel dive deep into the recent blockbuster news: Aaron Rodgers signing a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hosts explore the ramifications of this move for the Steelers, the broader NFL landscape, and other quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins.

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1. Aaron Rodgers Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers

The episode kicks off with the announcement of Aaron Rodgers’ signing, a move that has been speculated for months. Aaron expresses excitement about joining the Steelers, highlighting the unfazed reaction from the organization and fans alike.

Aaron [02:18]: "We finally got the news. Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. I feel like we've been having this conversation for four months."

Chase reflects on the surprise element of the timing, noting that the news broke just as he was dealing with a personal issue, adding a humorous touch to the discussion.

Chase [02:05]: "Good question. Surprised would be not an understatement. But at the timing of which it happened... it's just crazy."

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2. Impact on the Steelers' Offensive Strategy

A significant portion of the discussion centers around how Rodgers will fit into the Steelers' offensive scheme, traditionally orchestrated by Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. The hosts debate the compatibility of Rodgers' preference for the shotgun formation with Smith’s balanced approach.

Chase [07:16]: "Arthur Smith, big under center, big run game, motion shifts, timing, stuff like that. Where Aaron Rodgers, he wants to sit in the shotgun."

Aaron [08:08]: "Arthur's not the type of coach that goes in there and says, this is how we're doing it. Arthur's going to talk to Aaron Rodgers about what he is most comfortable doing."

Dianna Russini emphasizes Arthur Smith’s adaptability, suggesting that Smith's ability to tailor the offense to Rodgers' strengths could be a boon for the Steelers.

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3. Implications for Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings

Rodgers' move has a domino effect on other quarterbacks in the league, notably Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings. The hosts speculate on Cousins' future, given that Rodgers' signing eliminates a potential suitor.

Chase [14:47]: "Players can do injuries. Yeah, injuries."

Aaron [15:12]: "So to me, there's really no. He's. Where else is he going to?"

They discuss the limited options for Cousins, pondering whether he will remain a backup or seek opportunities elsewhere, while also touching upon the Vikings' confidence in their emerging quarterback, AJ McCarthy.

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4. Mike Tomlin’s Leadership and Future Challenges

The conversation shifts to Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin, exploring how his leadership will mesh with a seasoned quarterback like Rodgers. The hosts express both optimism and concern regarding the potential for friction and the team's ability to integrate Rodgers smoothly.

Aaron [12:17]: "But this could be one of Mike Tomlin's biggest challenges that he has had to face in the last few years."

Chase [25:15]: "He just is. Never had a losing season. I wonder, and this is just me just speculating, like, if it doesn't go as well this year, is it next year the time to like, do your Andy have your Andy Reid moment?"

They acknowledge Tomlin's track record while speculating on possible future changes should the integration not yield the desired results.

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5. Team Dynamics and Player Roles

Further analysis is provided on how Rodgers' presence might affect other key players, such as DK Metcalf and George Pickens. The hosts debate whether the Steelers are positioning themselves for immediate success or creating dependencies on an aging quarterback.

Chase [25:17]: "It's such a good point. You know, he said he'd be willing to pay for 10 million."

Aaron [23:22]: "I just can't picture Aaron Rodgers in a Pittsburgh jersey."

There’s skepticism about the long-term benefits versus the immediate impact Rodgers could have, especially considering his age and previous experiences in team dynamics.

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6. Future Outlook and Fan Reactions

The episode concludes with a look ahead, discussing fan reactions and the potential trajectory of the Steelers with Rodgers at the helm. The hosts express cautious optimism, awaiting how the team will perform in training camp and the upcoming season.

Aaron [24:29]: "I think the entire league had been watching this, wondering if Aaron would maybe just do something weird."

Chase [24:57]: "I just like the first one that said, I think Racketeer said he's not better than Tom Brady. We don't have to put that up. That was funny."

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Conclusion

Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel provide an in-depth and engaging analysis of Aaron Rodgers' move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, examining its multifaceted impact on the team and the broader NFL. They balance optimism with critical questions, setting the stage for future discussions as the season unfolds.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Aaron [02:18]: "We finally got the news. Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler."

• Chase [07:16]: "Arthur Smith, big under center, big run game, motion shifts, timing, stuff like that. Where Aaron Rodgers, he wants to sit in the shotgun."

• Aaron [08:08]: "Arthur's not the type of coach that goes in there and says, this is how we're doing it."

• Aaron [12:17]: "But this could be one of Mike Tomlin's biggest challenges that he has had to face in the last few years."

• Chase [25:17]: "It's such a good point. You know, he said he'd be willing to pay for 10 million."

• Aaron [24:29]: "I think the entire league had been watching this, wondering if Aaron would maybe just do something weird."

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the topics covered regarding Aaron Rodgers' signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and its broader implications.

Transcript

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[Aaron]

Well, hello everybody. Welcome into Scoop City. Chase, my friend. What's up, my friend? I haven't seen you in a few days.

[Chase]

It's been forever. No, not really. You've been on vacation, but you decided to hop on today because why?

[Aaron]

We finally got the news. Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. I feel like we've been having this conversation for four months. Because we have. I mean, how do you not, right? What are the Pittsburgh Steelers going to do? And all the conversations I had around the league and with people in Pittsburgh, everyone just kept saying, don't worry he's going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. That's where it's going to be. No one ever seemed panicked. And so there must be reason because today it's official that he's going to sign a one year deal to become a Pittsburgh Steelers. And I do think this thing has a lot of tentacles, Right. So I want to get into what this means for Kirk Cousins, what this means for the Minnesota Vikings, even in a way.

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[Aaron]

Because remember, there was a time they were interested also, just the idea. Zach Rosenblatt, our Jets reporter, put out a tweet a few minutes ago and it reminded me, remember, Justin Fields was the Pittsburgh Steelers first choice. He decided to go with the jets because they were willing to pay him more money. So a lot to unpack here. So let's just get right into it. You just found out the news a few minutes ago. Where do you, where do you stand on all this? With Aaron Rogers fitting with the Pittsburgh Seals?

[Chase]

Good question. Surprised would be not an understatement. But at the timing of which it happened. It's Thursday, June 5th, and we're not even. I'm not even. It's not even on my radar. We talk about it every day or every day on our show. Like, when's Roger gonna say when? Roger. And we're going to have the whole show tomorrow be about Aaron Rodgers. It's just, it's interesting, the timing, because when we're reading it, he. It sounds like he's going to be at the minicamp on Tuesday when you remember, with the jets, he straight up skipped minicamp and was a distraction. So now it's almost like you're bringing that distraction in another way because now there's going to be national media, there's going to be everyone at this minicamp. And so it's just, the timing is interesting. And then the first thing that I thought was like, the NFL always wins because it's jets, it's Steelers, it's week one, Sunday, September 7th, like it is. It's just crazy. It's crazy. I was surprised with the timing.

[Aaron]

Yeah, the timing definitely got me. I was getting the stitches from my ear removed when this all went down.

[Chase]

Wait, what happened?

[Aaron]

I didn't tell you this, but Joey ripped my diamond stud out of my ear all the way through. And so I had to get. I had to go to a plastic surgeon. I had this whole thing stitched up.

[Chase]

Did you lose the stud or did you find this?

[Aaron]

Great question. I did not. I found it. Trust me. I would have been very upset I was less upset about the rip. If I lost the stud, we were in big trouble. I need you to Venmo me some cash to make Kevin happy. So, yeah, the timing of the this obviously makes sense from a. He wants to be there, it's mandatory. He wants to probably learn this offense, get familiar with his teammates. Now, look, my instinct on this, not based on information, my instinct was that this news would have come down around training camp. I figured you just take all of this summer and just show up, be there and, and no one would really care. Remember when he was with the Jets? You're right. He went to Egypt and missed those mandatory, that mandatory minicamp. But he was attending all those OTAs. He was there. So that tells me that, you know, he, he doesn't want to just stand on the sideline and just show up when it counts to come training camp. I, I, I'm giving him credit here that he wants to get involved, he wants to be part of this. I can tell you he's had great communication with the Steelers from a football space. He's talked to them about the offense, of what they want to be doing. So, so it's not like he's coming in blind, but I can tell you that they're relieved that this is over. From everyone just badgering them. What are you going to do next?

[Chase]

Yeah, and you made an interesting point, because that was going to be my next point. And just sort of just talk about the offense with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Aaron Rodgers, in my opinion, and watching film, they're not, they're not similar. Arthur Smith, big under center, big run game, motion shifts, timing, stuff like that. Where Aaron Rodgers, he wants to sit in the shotgun. He wants to see it all. He does not. And he said this on record, he does not like a bunch of motions, all this stuff. He likes to see it. Who's going to win out on this? Because we see, we saw what had happened in New York with the offensive coordinator there, Nathaniel Hackett, and how do you see this mesh of offensive scheme coming into Pittsburgh now?

[Aaron]

All right, so I'll tell you from just my experience of covering Arthur Smith as an offensive coordinator and being around him and talking to players who know him well, his strength, without a doubt, is his adaptability. Right. Arthur is not the type of coach that goes in there and says, this is how we're doing it. Arthur's going to talk to Aaron Rodgers about what he is most comfortable doing, how he wants to do it, and because he knows he's going to get the best version of his quarterback. Now, Rogers compliments a good defense. He takes care of the football. Right. That is the one thing. Well, we give him a lot of credit on the show, but this is where he's fantastic. Right. But you make a great point about wanting to sit in the pocket a bit here and look at the defense. That, to me, tells me that it's going to put some pressure on this O line. Okay.

[Chase]

And they were not good.

[Aaron]

They were not good. It's going to put some stress on them because, remember, he doesn't have that much mobility anymore. Right. He's 40. He is. He's 41 years old.

[Chase]

Two completely different quarterbacks that played last year were mobile and could get out of the pocket for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[Aaron]

Yeah. You know, and I started attacked people around the league as soon as the news broke. Like, just instant reaction. We don't have to get deep into it, you know, but just, yeah, you know, I had one head coach not in their division say, he's just got such a great deep ball and they're going to use Metcalf really well. Vermouth is a good receiving threat on tight end, you know, and I had a GM make this point. He said, I look at it as this. He, Arthur Smith was able to switch from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson and had success revitalizing Ryan Tannehill's career in Tennessee. That tells you that Rogers is in good hands with Arthur Smith.

[Chase]

So, yeah, that's. That's an interesting point to me. I just think with. With Aaron, like, this was a decision, right. That probably wasn't taken lightly. But it also took a lot of faith from head coach Mike Tomlin, in my opinion, to just wait it out because we were on Mike Tomlin's head. Like when they didn't resign Justin Fields, when they said they didn't want Russell Wilson back, when they maybe made him a passion at Sam Darnold and then at the roster right now is Will Howard and Mason Rudolph were like, what is happening? And then they trade for DK Metcalf and then DK Metcalf and then, I mean, all the signs pointed.

[Aaron]

George Pickens then gets traded, Right?

[Chase]

So, yeah, George Pickens gets traded. And. And this is a crazy thing. Like, this is a Pittsburgh team. Offensively. You look at the offensive line, not good. They struggled protecting the passer last year and you look at the running back room, not a lot of stuff there. Najee Harris gone. Jaylen Warren lead back as of now. I know they drafted a guy, but you lose your leading passer you lose your leading rusher and you lose your leading receiver and they're sort of starting over at ground zero with a new system with Aaron Rodgers, who is going to sounds like a one year rental because he signed a one year deal, obviously. But it's just, it's one of those things that I Do you think that.

[Aaron]

Like, I feel like you're throwing up, you're throwing up red flags a little bit. That that's my, not in a, I don't think you think this is a horrible mistake, but I, I understand your trepidation. Right. This is also a quarterback that we've done a lot of reporting on with the New York jets. And look, he did some really good things for that locker room, did something good things for that organization, but most of it. And if you read our articles on the athletic, you pretty much know that that entire experiment with Aaron Rodgers in New York wasn't great. All right? But this isn't the New York Jets. This is the Pittsburgh Steelers with a very, very strong head coach who has dealt with the craziest and wildest of players, you know, in the history of the NFL. Like, I, I, I think we can all give Mike, Tom and a lot of credit for just finding ways to unify his teams despite all the different type of personalities. Now, that being said, in a way, this could be one of Mike Tomlin's biggest challenges that he has had to face in the last few years. Because Aaron comes with so much confidence. He's set in his ways, he wants to do things a certain way. I always thought from the start, going back to when Aaron was in Green Bay, when we started to hear that he didn't want to be there anymore and a trade was on the table, I always thought that the only way we were going to see the best version of Aaron Rodgers was if the person calling the shots, the head coach, was someone he respected. And this is finally the one. This, like Mike Tomlin would have been on my list if you were like, okay, give me head coaches. That would have made sense. Mike is on there. Right. But now, now let's get past that conversation of, okay, so he respects Mike Tomlin. All right, what does this look like when, when it, there's some grind, right. When it's not perfect because that, you know better than anyone, it's not always smooth.

[Chase]

No.

[Aaron]

And how does this get handled? How is Aaron Rodgers going to be treated? Is it going to be treated differently?

[Chase]

I think if you're Mike Tomlin and you've bought into the idea of all the stuff that comes with Aaron Rodgers, you have to be pretty strong and set in your ways. Meaning I don't think that Aaron's going to be able to get away with stuff maybe in the media or in the field, like maybe that he has in the past. Right. He is a superstar, but he's a guy that like, okay, you're only signing a one year deal. We know you probably won't play another year next year. Depends on how you feel. Depends on how the season goes. So Mike's probably had the conversation and that's when you know he was sneaking into training camp or to camp to talk to the Steelers in that car and, and all that stuff. He's probably had the conversation with them to say, hey, like, there's no BS here. Like, this is, this is how it's going to be done. Like, obviously you and Arthur get it right, but this is a team that. I just don't know if this signing makes them 55 times better than they were last year. Right. And like, if you look at the defensive side of the ball, they struggled down the stretch. Diana. And then you look at offensively. Yes. Aaron Rodgers had 18 touchdowns, four picks, and New York's final 10 games. He looked better. Do we get that? Aaron Rodgers, to start. He hasn't been practicing. All this comes to my mind.

[Aaron]

Yeah. There's a lot of question marks that, that we have about the fit of this. I'm leaning towards keeping it optimistic and positive because I feel like Steelers fans have been put in pain for the last few months here because they're just getting scorched about some of these decisions and what they're doing. It's funny, you know, we talk about all this great analysis that we're collecting as this is all coming and people are finding out. I just, I just had a coach in the AFC west shoot me a text. I just can't picture Aaron Rodgers in a Pittsburgh jersey. Like, like, like that's your, that's your feedback on this. But, but I think there's, there's some truth there of, like, I, it's going to take some time, I think, for people to adjust to this. But Chase. So I feel like we've touched on Pittsburgh. We don't know what it's going to be. We can't really comment yet on whether or not this will work because we have yet to see it. We've yet to see him at camp. I'm curious what he's going to look like. I feel bad for our reporter, Mike devabo. Who's on the ground, he's going to be slammed on. The poor guy is going to be so busy next week.

[Chase]

Yeah. They're like no summer vacation.

[Aaron]

I know. Maybe I'll even go out there and sit down.

[Chase]

Yeah. Seriously.

[Aaron]

So here's. I had a couple thoughts as soon as the news came down. I immediately thought Kirk Cousins right now, I didn't think that Kirk. That Pittsburgh was Kirk's, like, number one choice for where he would go if he could get treated. But now that's one less spot for Kirk to go for. Now, look, training camp can change everything.

[Chase]

Players can do injuries. Yeah, injuries.

[Aaron]

Right. And we don't know how willing Atlanta is at this point. We don't know how willing they are to move Kirk until they get the right.

[Chase]

Yeah. Depending on what they want to give up and all this stuff.

[Aaron]

Right. So to me, there's really no. He's. Where else is he going to?

[Chase]

Where.

[Aaron]

Okay.

[Chase]

Yeah. Like, where.

[Aaron]

Which. Then all this. All the. All the Viking fans right now have been blowing up our Twitter for, like, the last hour because they're like, we told you we never reported that Aaron Rodgers was going to be a Minnesota Viking. I was just asked by, like, Dan Patrick, Colin Coward, like, if you had a guess, you know, and what did. What do we know about Minnesota Chase? They said, we want to see the spring. Okay, so if I'm a Vikings fan and I see this news, I'm like, let's go. Because this tells me AJ McCarthy isn't just the guy. Based on the words that we're hearing from the players, from Kevin o' Connell. If I hear one more person tell me that, you know, J.C. mcCarthy is the next Josh Allen, the next top, like, I get it, but the. He must be really the guy on the field in the media rooms, which is the best news.

[Chase]

That is best news that is such, like, my mind did not go to Kirk Cousins when Aaron Rodgers. And I was like, who is he playing for week? What. You know, but your journalistic mind is like, that's impressive. Yeah. I mean, look, it has been the spring and obviously, like, I think that if the Vikings were interested in Aaron Rodgers, that would be. Aaron Rodgers preferred destination, the spring for what we know and what we hear from these teammates. We heard Justin Jefferson Talk about J.J. mcCarthy and his leadership vibe and all this stuff a couple days ago, and all. All we're hearing is great things. I still want to see it on the field because, look, we've had a couple beat reporters on here.

[Aaron]

I know, Chase. I know what you're saying. But don't you think Kevin o' Connell, the coach of the year, who has been able to produce with a lot of random quarterbacks, Josh Dobbs, Kirk Cousins that we would say are just. If he's willing to let Aaron Rodgers go or sign with the Steelers and he made that decision according to the Vikings a while ago. Right. Then they must have such conviction that J.J. mcCarthy is the guy.

[Chase]

Hey, and I'm glad you have conviction. Your coach of the year. You just got a brand new shiny little deal. I love it. However, there's difference between conviction on June 5th and then first game bright lights Chicago Bears. So all I'm saying, all I'm saying is like, I really, really, I just like the Vikings team. I like JJ too. I think, I think the Vikings team are one of the better constructed rosters. I think they offensively very little holes. They address them in free agency. Defensively, they, they took the ball away 33 times, tied first in the NFL last year. So they're getting the ball back. They're really, they're super bowl ready. So now the pressure intensify, intensifies on the quarterback in J.J. mcCarthy. And so I, I just know how sports media works and how we work and I'm excited for him. I think they're, I think he's going to do great if he has. J.J. mcCarthy has 70% of the season that Sam Darnold did. It's a overwhelming success. JJ hasn't started a game. I just know how we work and how this, this, this, this sphere of social media and everything. If they don't play well this year and they don't make the playoffs, you're pointing to one person on that team and you're pointing to probably J.J. mcCarthy.

[Aaron]

If I'm hearing you right. I, I think you, you trust the process. You trust what they're seeing, what they're doing and their judgment. You're talking about the player, the mentality, the pressure that is now going to be put on him now that Rogers is no longer an option. And look who looks. Cousins perhaps you know that maybe that's the break glass if God forbid. But, but here we are, you know, on June 5th and Minnesota said they needed the spring and they got the spring and they made the call. So while the headline to me is 100% Aaron Rodgers is a Pittsburgh Steeler, I think like 1 1C1D is like. And JJ McCarthy is the guy. But look, I think the entire league had been watching this, wondering if Aaron would maybe just do Something weird. I don't think we've really addressed that. I think it was like.

[Chase]

Like retired.

[Aaron]

It was like, the lack of trust of him. Like, did he just say, I'm gonna do a reality TV show, I don't want him to play football anymore? Or, I'm gonna be the new bachelor, whatever.

[Chase]

You know, I'm gonna go into politics or.

[Aaron]

So anytime. I.

[Chase]

Did you think the timing was weird, or were you?

[Aaron]

Because I thought it'd be training camp. Obviously, I thought it was weird I was getting stitches or stitches taken out.

[Chase]

You said, I can be live in 20 minutes. Don't worry, I'm coming home.

[Aaron]

Which I'm so mad because I really wanted to talk to that plastic surgeon about other work, but I had no time.

[Chase]

Oh, stop it.

[Aaron]

Stop it.

[Chase]

You stop it. So what do you think? So, before, where do you think Kirk Cousins goes? Or does he stay put? Because that's the other tentacle of it, and I just can't. I mean, Browns aren't doing it. Saints, where do they land with their quarterback position? I'm trying. I mean, other than injuries, I mean, are they going to trade them to a division foe? The Browns are set. It seems like. I. I just can't find any more suitors for them. So this probably means that in my opinion, Kurt Cousins is back backing up Michael Bennet Jr.

[Ollie Pet Food Advertiser]

Right.

[Aaron]

I. I agree. Until. Until it's not working right. And I. I think Kirk has been known for doing the right thing and playing ball and doing that. I don't necessarily think that's the Kirk we're going to see. I don't think Kirk is going to be so easygoing on the situation because happy, go lucky.

[Chase]

Yeah, he wants to play.

[Aaron]

It's. It's crazy how one year it all changes. You know, this time last year, you and I were talking about how happy Julie Cousins was about living back in her hometown. We had. We had Kirk on talking. He was on about about what Atlanta was going to be for him, and now we're talking about, you know, him perhaps not. Not. Not wanting to be an Atlanta Falcon anymore and hoping that they. They do him or at least they do the right thing for him, when, you know, in their mind, they don't necessarily think getting rid of Kirk right now is. Is a good thing for them because they may need him. So this. Look, it's been a bizarrely quiet month in the NFL, which I never say about it. It's just been. Just nothing. So we've all been waiting for this final straw. The, you know, in the final decision to come. So I'm sure Pittsburgh is pumped that this is done. I'm sure DK Metcalf knew the whole time, you know.

[Chase]

Yeah. He was throwing with him and ucla. He. He knew. Let's be real.

[Aaron]

Yeah. So it all comes together. I'm interested to see how much he's going to be making because remember, he said he'd be willing to pay for 10 million.

[Chase]

So let's say there's no way, is there? You. You were. I know we were talk. We were just saying, like I thought it's like it has to have a three in front of us.

[Aaron]

There isn't for. For those that have been Scoop City listeners and watchers for the past year, it's with Chase and I. I hope you've picked up on when it comes to talking contracts and money, I'm allowed to share, like what I hear, what I'm saying, you know, what, what, what guys tell me, but I don't really truly know right. About contracts. You within two seconds. Like, he ain't playing on that. You know, I want to say that. I just can't say that. But. Yeah, look, it would shock me. I. Okay, I will declare that I will be floored if this contract is $10 million.

[Chase]

It's not 10 million.

[Aaron]

If it's 10.

[Chase]

Sam Darnold got 10 million.

[Aaron]

Last claimed he didn't want to make $50 million a year and be the highest paid quarterback in football. And like a week later, they paid him $50 million.

[Chase]

Last question for me because we've sort of covered it. Do. Do you think not. Do you think. Do you have any inclination. See how I covered you there? That Rogers is. This is last year.

[Aaron]

You're asking me. I think it's easier to answer will Taylor Smith and Travis Kelsey get married? Than that question. And I'm saying that to be like, kind of funny, but also just because you don't know with him.

[Chase]

Like, yeah, he's. Yeah, I got that.

[Aaron]

He's so hard to read. You know, And I think a lot of people in football understand that everywhere he's been has said, look, he's. What did Mark Murphy say? He's a complicated fella. You know, he's not the easiest person. But. But look, I think if you're a Steelers fan, you have to have some relief. You have an answer and you got to be all in. You got to be all in on Renegade Rogers here and hope that. Right like that he's the guy. And look, I've talked to Zach Rosenblatt Our jets reporter about this so many times when Rogers was in New York of if he can just figure out the right, if the right people around him can bring out the best in Aaron and they also listen to him, we may see a version of him that everyone has been dying to see. The guy we've all loved to watch, the future hall of Fame quarterback, he's.

[Chase]

Still got it in him physically. It's just. Can he sustain it for 17 games?

[Aaron]

Yeah. And I do think the confidence that this fan base should have and even just an Arthur Smith adaptability and his understanding and even his relationship with Aaron Rodgers, they've always had a good one. I don't think a lot of people know that, but they've always had good communication. We have a couple people commenting, so before we run out Chase, you want to just see if there's a few in there that.

[Chase]

Yeah. Oh, I just like the first one that said, I think Racketeer said he's not better than Tom Brady. We don't have to put that up. That, that was funny. A lot of people saying that. Do they. When do they sign Alan Lazard, do you think the days.

[Aaron]

Wait, someone asked that? Somebody asked that?

[Chase]

Yeah. Do you think that. Yeah. I mean, because it's like GM Rogers.

[Aaron]

It's so true.

[Chase]

There's no way. Right.

[Aaron]

But Lazard, our Steelers reporter, he, he, he's already written an article on this. He was ready to go and, and he put out a tweet that he, it's such a good point. You know, he said, you know, the Steelers promised they wouldn't do the same thing and expect different results, but here they are for the third time, betting on the NFL's highest paid defense to prop up an aging quarterback. We've seen the movie before. Big Ben and Russell Wilson and here they go a third time. Right? So it's a point.

[Chase]

And that's, that's the point we really didn't make. And I'm sure it'll. I'll, I'll make it some more later date, but it, it's just this is sort of the Mike Tomlin thing, man. They, they don't know how to. And they have not since Big Ben has left, got the quarterback position, right? Diana, they have not drafted well. They have not signed in free agency well. They've played a lot of people from Kenny Picket to Mitch Trubisky to Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. Now Mason Rudolph, Doug Hodges was in there. Like it's been a revolving door of quarterbacks. And look, I know we were Talking, not we, but the league was talking. Is Mike Tomlin better off leaving the Pittsburgh? I could just imagine if they don't make the playoffs or it's the first round, actually, and that's just going to amplify as well. And it's just like, hey, it's almost like that fresh start needed now. I'm excited about this and we want to see this work, but all these questions, they, like, they haven't won a playoff game. Dynasty 2016. So I get it. Mike Tomlin is for sure one of the best coaches in the NFL. He just. He just is. Never had a losing season. I wonder, and this is just me just speculating, like, if it doesn't go as well this year, is it next year the time to like, do your Andy have your Andy Reid moment? You know, like switching. I don't know. It's just something in the back of my mind to look out for.

[Aaron]

You say the Andy Reid moment. The difference is Andy was taking Philadelphia to NFC championship games. There's a.

[Chase]

You're right.

[Aaron]

Right.

[Chase]

But Mike's. Mike's got a Super bowl, though, and Andy didn't. Andy did in Philly.

[Aaron]

Well, the good news, Chase, is we have a whole season of Scoop City to talk all about this. So this will not be the last time we talk about Aaron Rodgers. The Pittsburgh shows whether or not this is working. So either way, guys, thanks so much for hopping on with us here live on Scoop City. Our podcast comes out tomorrow, so Chase is going to be driving the train there for all the other big stories that we're talking about around the league as, as OTAs mandatory minicamps all next week kind of wrapping up here. We've got like come to an end. Pretty much like a week left here and then. And then a nice little break before, before training camp. So, guys, thanks so much for hanging out with us here on our Scoop City live live broadcast.

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