What if Matthew Stafford was a Steeler? The surprising scenario reshaping Aaron Rodgers' future
The buzz around Aaron Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh made quite a news through the NFL community—and not just for what it means on the field. As the Steelers hope to break their playoff drought dating back to 2016, speculation has already begun about the future of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin.
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The question isn't just whether Rodgers can deliver wins—it's whether failure to do so could signal the end of an era in Pittsburgh.
How the Rams' QB drama almost changed everything for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers
On a recent episode of Unsportsmanlike, ESPN's Evan Cohen and Super Bowl champion Chris Canty dove into that very topic, peeling back the layers of Tomlin's decision-making over the past few months. One point of discussion? Whether the Steelers missed a golden opportunity by not aggressively pursuing Matthew Stafford before the 2024 season.
'It's not like he wasn't allowed to scream and yell and say, 'Go get me Stafford,'' Cohen said, suggesting that Tomlin may have held more influence over Pittsburgh's offseason strategy than he utilized. The idea that the Rams could have been tempted by a hefty trade offer—perhaps two first-round picks and a second—wasn't out of the question. In fact, the Atlanta Falcons offered a future first-rounder to the Rams during the April draft to move up the board, proving the market for Stafford was alive and well.
Had the Steelers matched that offer, there's a world in which Stafford dons black and gold this fall. But it wasn't just about trade compensation—it was about the money. According to the New York Post, the New York Giants were reportedly willing to go beyond $100 million for Stafford's services. The veteran quarterback ultimately chose to restructure with Los Angeles, buying into a more favorable Super Bowl window.
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Would Pittsburgh have made a compelling enough offer? That remains a what-if scenario that might haunt Steelers fans if 2025 doesn't end in playoff success.
In the midst of this speculation, some believe Aaron Rodgers now carries the weight of Tomlin's future. But NFL insider Dan Graziano doesn't see it that way.
'If Mike Tomlin is not going to be the Steelers coach anymore,' Graziano remarked, 'I think that's not going to be because of Aaron Rodgers.
That would be because the organization decided it's time, or he's decided it's time, or both.'
That nuance is key. Even if Rodgers doesn't lead Pittsburgh deep into the playoffs, Tomlin's legacy is still secure in many circles. Yet, as Graziano pointed out, 'if they flame out… there'll probably be some conversations.' Not because of Rodgers, but because time—and expectations—waits for no one in the NFL.
As Pittsburgh navigates the high-stakes season ahead, all eyes will be on both Rodgers' arm and Tomlin's decisions.
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