Could Aaron Rodgers come up short for the Steelers this season? One analyst seems to think so.
When you carry as high of a profile as Aaron Rodgers does, you’re bound to be the subject of just about every type of conversation. One prominent media personality and former NFL executive, though, is taking that dynamic and bringing it to new heights. His prediction would surely mean doom for the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a holiday edition of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Mike Tannenbaum was asked to deliver a take as part of the show’s “Independent Thought” segment. He certainly managed to do so with his thoughts on Rodgers. Tannenbaum not only predicted that the four-time MVP wouldn’t finish the season as the starter, but he called for a different backup than expected.
Former Executive Delivers Lava-Hot Take on Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard
Tannenbaum called his shot for both Rodgers and Mason Rudolph to be skipped on the depth chart. 2025 NFL Draft pick Will Howard, he says, will be starting by December.
“Let me show you how this game is played: Will Howard will be starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers by December 1,” Tannenbaum said. “Will Howard led Ohio State to the National Championship, 89 QBR, 35 touchdown passes. If he was a little bit better in the offseason before the draft, he could’ve been a third- or fourth-round pick.”
Howard, a sixth-round selection, may very well have a future in the NFL. After leaving Kansas State following the 2023 season, he broke out at Ohio State. His lone season with the Buckeyes saw him complete 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards and the aforementioned 35 touchdowns. Doing so with just 10 interceptions thrown, Howard posted a sparkling 175.3 rating. His 86.4 Pro Football Focus grade was 10th among all draft-eligible quarterbacks.
For Howard to get real reps over Rudolph, however, the latter would have to be hurt. After all, he has four years of playing experience in Pittsburgh with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions to show for it. In the event of Rodgers failing to finish out the year, the Steelers’ season would already be a failure. While some would argue that’d be the time to insert a rookie, Rudolph has a very clear lead for the club’s backup role.
Rodgers’ Age, Steelers’ Offensive Line Cited as Reason for Wild Prediction
Two factors contributed to the prediction of Rodgers losing his starting gig. First and foremost, his age. Secondly, Pittsburgh’s offensive line is far from elite.
“Aaron Rodgers is an all-time great, but he will be 42 in December,” Tannenbaum said. “Last year, Pittsburgh gave up sacks at the 28th-highest rate, meaning they were not very good protecting the passer. When you have a 42-year-old quarterback, no offseason program, an offensive line that should, in fairness, be better because Troy Fautanu is coming back. I think Will Howard has a meaningful chance to be the quarterback of the future. Mike Tomlin will play the best players and by the time we get to December, watch what happens.”
Addressing the first part: it’s a fair point. Coming off an Achilles tear, Rodgers looked hesitant to start last year with the New York Jets. That got better over time, yet it remained something to monitor. His comfort level likely won’t experience a similar jump this time around.
Up front, the return of Fautanu should indeed help. Elsewhere, there are questions to answer. Broderick Jones‘ move back to left tackle is the wild-card to end all wild-cards. If he takes the transition in stride, he could live up to the No. 14 draft slot he occupied in 2023. If he doesn’t, an aging Rodgers would subsequently have to run for his life. (That or throw passes away without giving them a chance, which he’s known to do.)
In a vacuum, Tannenbaum’s prediction for Rodgers to be replaced isn’t too crazy. He’s an old player with an injury history and an unfavorable recent track record. A former general manager and vice president of football operations knows that side of the business. It happens.
It’s the progression straight to Howard that’s… independent. Mission accomplished.
