As of the second Friday of April, it appeared at the very least considerably life like that the Pittsburgh Steelers may head into necessary minicamp practices in June with each veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and rookie Shedeur Sanders on their roster.
For a bit revealed on Friday, Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman of The Athletic addressed how having the 2 large personalities in the identical quarterback room may both profit or hurt the Steelers because it pertains to their short-term and long-term targets.
“If Rodgers is in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal and understands the scenario at hand, I’d love that match,” Baumgardner stated. “…If Sanders falls outdoors the highest 10, Pittsburgh shouldn’t be afraid to maneuver up the board if want be. Assuming Rodgers can admit to himself that he’s 41 years outdated and ready to be a real instance for a proficient younger quarterback, then this may very well be an important scenario. If there’s one staff within the QB-needy bunch that’s really a quarterback away from making some noise, it’s Pittsburgh.”
The 2024 Steelers entered Week 15 at 10-3 earlier than the membership endured a five-game dropping streak as quarterback Russell Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reportedly fought via some “variations.” It seems to outsiders that head coach Mike Tomlin is hoping Rodgers will not be what he was when he was coping with a number of damage setbacks throughout what turned his closing season as a member of the New York Jets.
“Rodgers wasn’t that dangerous final 12 months for the Jets, particularly over the ultimate 10 video games, when he threw 18 touchdowns and simply 4 interceptions,” Dochterman added. “…There’s additionally no higher spot for Sanders. He dealt along with his share of the highlight at Colorado whereas enjoying for his father (Colorado head coach Deion Sanders), however the alternative to sit down behind Rodgers and play for a robust chief like Mike Tomlin would take away the strain that accompanies first-round quarterbacks. Then, the membership may goal him because the starter in 2026.”
Despite the fact that Sanders’ draft inventory appears to be plummeting because the evening of April 24 approaches, there’s nonetheless no assure he’ll get previous the New Orleans Saints at choose No. 9. With golf equipment such because the Cleveland Browns (choose No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) probably plotting a commerce again into the primary spherical for a prospect comparable to Sanders, the Steelers hoping to land him with the twenty first total selection may very well be a mistake if they really wish to pair him with Rodgers this spring.
