Madden Monday on Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh: 'It just can't work'

With the way Aaron Rodgers was speaking about his future during a public Q&A in Austin on Friday, it sure sounds like he’s planning on playing for the Steelers.

Just In: The legendary Aaron Rodgers seemingly confirms that he will be signing with the Steelers for this upcoming season:

"I believe there's a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip."

The Steelers play the Bears in Week 13 ???? pic.twitter.com/fSAI4WlOKz

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 23, 2025

And it certainly sounds like he won’t be playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Aaron Rodgers RIPS the idea of playing for the #Saints .

"I don't want to live in Louisiana."

Watch on YouTube: https://t.co/hA3dV01PkZ pic.twitter.com/NBDVegqK9w

— James (@James_Skrmetta) May 24, 2025

But even if Rodgers does come to Pittsburgh, Mark Madden of TribLive and 105.9 The X is dubious of the 41-year-old’s ability to help propel the Steelers to any degree of significant success.

“He’s coming in so late. It just can’t work,” Madden said during this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast. “Even if he plays well, he won’t play well enough soon enough. And I bet they lose some games they shouldn’t.”

One of those games Madden is circling is the 2025 season opener in New York, when Rodgers could be under center for Pittsburgh against his most recent former team, the Jets. Meanwhile, the Jets will be starting former Steeler Justin Fields at QB.

“I bet they lose at the Jets in Week 1. I bet Fields beats Rodgers,” Madden predicted.

From there, Madden sees an uphill battle when it comes to Rodgers winning over the fanbase.

Related:

• First Call: Aaron Rodgers definitively shoots down one rumor; former Steeler becomes high school coach
• Tim Benz: Aaron Rodgers situation is now more about saving face for Steelers than it is the football calendar
• Mark Madden's Hot Take: Steelers-Jets will be a proving ground, set tone for season

“I bet the fans in Pittsburgh turn on Rodgers pretty quickly. And what makes that story even better is that when they turn on Rodgers, they’re not going to want (Mason) Rudolph to play. They’re going to want Will Howard, the rookie. ‘Put the kid in. Let’s see what he can do!’”

The process has dragged on for so long that Madden is having a hard time drumming up any enthusiasm, even if Rodgers is a better option than Howard or Rudolph.

“I think he’s probably going to play. But I’ve long since stopped caring,” Madden said. “I think they have no chance to win a playoff game no matter who plays quarterback. If that’s the case, they’d be better off winning five… maybe.”

Also, during the podcast, Madden and I discuss the NHL playoffs, the Pirates weekend that was against Milwaukee, postseason playoff formats in the NFL and college football, and interest levels in the NBA.