The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is becoming more clear as the 2025 offseason continues along. Russell Wilson just signed with the New York Giants, and they were the only other organization that was seriously in play for the services of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is still making his decision, but all signs are pointing towards him suiting up in the black and gold in 2025. If he isn't signed, Pittsburgh will probably feel comfortable moving into the season with some combination of Mason Rudolph and a rookie.
With the Giants being off the board and Rodgers having a promising visit in Pittsburgh last Friday, the fan base for the Steelers should be feeling pretty optimistic that Rodgers will be playing quarterback for the Steelers. Some have expressed some worries about Rodgers coming to the Steel City, mainly due to him being an off-the-field distraction at times and his poor working relationships with certain coaches.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin has always been one of the best in the league when it comes to handling various personalities, so it should not be an issue for him. However, most of the worry lies with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Rodgers has been very critical of play-calling in the past, and that could be a problem for the Steelers. One of Smith's former players, Taylor Lewan, spoke out during an episode of Bussin' With The Boys about the coordinator and how he has always had a great working relationship with quarterbacks.
"I've seen Arthur Smith sit down with Ryan Tannehill before games and Tannehill bluntly going, 'I don't want this play called. I want this play called, make sure you call this play,'" Lewan said. "You listen to those conversations and you go into the game and you realize that situations that Ryan was talking about with Smith are now being called and we're having success from that. So Arthur does a great job of collaborating with his quarterbacks and allowing things to kind of come to him, which is awesome."
Lewan had Smith as his offensive coordinator for two seasons, and Ryan Tannehill was the starting quarterback in Tennessee during both of those years. The Pro Bowl left tackle saw the coach and player get in plenty of blunt conversations about the game plan, but the two always figured it out in a way that would help the team.
Smith and Tannehill were a great duo in Tennessee, and the two had the Titans in the playoffs in both seasons. In 2020, the Titans' offense was top five in the league in yardage and points, and in 2019, the offense played well enough to earn the Titans the one-seed in the AFC. A lot of that success is likely due to the relationship between Smith and his quarterback, and the way they could bounce ideas off of one another.
Rodgers is the type to confront a coordinator if he does not like the way things are going, and that might be a good thing under Smith. The two should have some good game planning sessions together, which hopefully results in an effective offensive unit.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Will Have His Hands Full In 2025
Tomlin has always been praised for the way he can motivate players and keep his team in check, no matter who is on the roster. He has had to work with some big egos throughout his career, but none of that will compare to 2025 if Rodgers signs. Tomlin will have his hands full with the offense as Rodgers, George Pickens, and DK Metcalf all have a history of losing their tempers on the field.
If any coach in the NFL will be able to have success with a team like that, it is Tomlin, but it will be a challenge.
