The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be inching closer to landing one of the most iconic quarterbacks in modern football—Aaron Rodgers. However, despite widespread optimism, nothing has been finalized yet, and a potential snag in the process is beginning to surface: who’s really calling the shots on offense?
Aaron Rodgers may soon hold a headset for the Steelers in a wild NFL coaching twist
Once it became evident that Justin Fields was heading to the New York Jets, the Steelers quickly turned their attention to Aaron Rodgers. The front office wasted no time in securing contingency plans by signing Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, but make no mistake—those moves were just to build depth. The goal remains clear: bring in Rodgers to lead this team.
Yet, all signs suggest the delay isn’t coming from the Steelers' side. According to multiple reports, Rodgers is currently dealing with personal matters that are preventing him from making a firm commitment. That alone would be enough to stall negotiations, but an emerging debate could further complicate things.
During a recent episode of Kaboly and Mack, a podcast hosted by The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, a key detail came to light. Kaboly questioned how much say Rodgers might expect to have in Pittsburgh’s offensive playbook. “Do you think the playbook matters to Aaron Rodgers? Because I really do believe that it’s gonna be Aaron Rodgers’ playbook. He’s gonna call what he wants to call and that might be a little bit of a battle,” he said. “I wanna believe that Aaron Rodgers is gonna get a lot of carte blanche when it comes to this offense. What he wants to do and what he wants to call."
That candid observation sheds light on a dynamic that may not sit easily with the Steelers’ brass. Kaboly went further to reveal what he’s been hearing behind the scenes: “I’ve heard rumblings of Rodgers wanting to call his own plays. I don’t know how true that is, so just keep that in the back of your mind more than a report or anything to that fact,” he added. “I mean he’s been in the league 20 years. He has four MVPs. You have to assume some of that was going to be that anyway."
Rodgers commanding a high level of influence over the playbook shouldn’t come as a surprise. With two decades of experience and four MVP titles, few quarterbacks possess a football IQ as seasoned as his. Still, the Steelers have traditionally maintained tight control over their offensive system—especially after Ben Roethlisberger’s departure.
If Pittsburgh is serious about securing Rodgers, it might have to loosen its grip and let a proven veteran do what he does best: take control. Whether or not both parties can reach that middle ground remains the biggest question looming over what could be one of the most high-profile signings in recent franchise history.
Also Read: Is Shedeur Sanders the next Browns starter? Chris Canty believes former Colorado star is already 'leader in the clubhouse'
Aaron Rodgers may soon hold a headset for the Steelers in a wild NFL coaching twist
Once it became evident that Justin Fields was heading to the New York Jets, the Steelers quickly turned their attention to Aaron Rodgers. The front office wasted no time in securing contingency plans by signing Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, but make no mistake—those moves were just to build depth. The goal remains clear: bring in Rodgers to lead this team.
Yet, all signs suggest the delay isn’t coming from the Steelers' side. According to multiple reports, Rodgers is currently dealing with personal matters that are preventing him from making a firm commitment. That alone would be enough to stall negotiations, but an emerging debate could further complicate things.
Aaron Rodgers when asked if he'll ever play for the Bears:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) May 23, 2025
"No, but I believe there's a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip."
The Steelers are scheduled to play the Bears in Chicago on Nov. 23.
During a recent episode of Kaboly and Mack, a podcast hosted by The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, a key detail came to light. Kaboly questioned how much say Rodgers might expect to have in Pittsburgh’s offensive playbook. “Do you think the playbook matters to Aaron Rodgers? Because I really do believe that it’s gonna be Aaron Rodgers’ playbook. He’s gonna call what he wants to call and that might be a little bit of a battle,” he said. “I wanna believe that Aaron Rodgers is gonna get a lot of carte blanche when it comes to this offense. What he wants to do and what he wants to call."
That candid observation sheds light on a dynamic that may not sit easily with the Steelers’ brass. Kaboly went further to reveal what he’s been hearing behind the scenes: “I’ve heard rumblings of Rodgers wanting to call his own plays. I don’t know how true that is, so just keep that in the back of your mind more than a report or anything to that fact,” he added. “I mean he’s been in the league 20 years. He has four MVPs. You have to assume some of that was going to be that anyway."
Rodgers commanding a high level of influence over the playbook shouldn’t come as a surprise. With two decades of experience and four MVP titles, few quarterbacks possess a football IQ as seasoned as his. Still, the Steelers have traditionally maintained tight control over their offensive system—especially after Ben Roethlisberger’s departure.
If Pittsburgh is serious about securing Rodgers, it might have to loosen its grip and let a proven veteran do what he does best: take control. Whether or not both parties can reach that middle ground remains the biggest question looming over what could be one of the most high-profile signings in recent franchise history.
Also Read: Is Shedeur Sanders the next Browns starter? Chris Canty believes former Colorado star is already 'leader in the clubhouse'
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