Mark Madden's Hot Take: Why would Aaron Rodgers play another season with the Steelers?

When it got reported that the Steelers were already leaning toward bringing back Aaron Rodgers next season, I initially felt it was far too early to decide that.

But then I considered that, except for the foolproof act of inheriting Ben Roethlisberger, coach Mike Tomlin has done nothing but mangle the quarterback position during his 19-year tenure: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky have started games since Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season, none to great effect.

Rodgers is 41. But Tomlin can’t ruin him. Rodgers has too much guile, respect and clout.

The real question: Would Rodgers want to return?

If I were Rodgers, I wouldn’t.

Tomlin is a defensive-minded coach who wants games to be rock fights. He’s made Rodgers into a game manager.

Perhaps that’s all Rodgers can be now. But I’d bet Rodgers doesn’t think so.

Rodgers can’t be impressed with the minimal weaponry in Pittsburgh, or the outdated approach.

Rodgers won’t win significantly in Pittsburgh. But he’s proving he can still play.

Minnesota, are you watching?

The Vikings erred badly this past offseason when they didn’t keep Sam Darnold via the franchise tag after his great year, nor get Rodgers via free agency. They instead gambled on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy and journeyman Carson Wentz, and that’s failed miserably. The Vikings were 14-3 last year, 3-4 now.

Minnesota has great weapons in wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Coach Kevin O’Connell is a bright offensive mind, not prehistoric like Tomlin.

This coming offseason, Minnesota should want Rodgers.

Rodgers should go there.

Or retire.

If Rodgers thought he could win in Pittsburgh, he’s finding out he can’t. Not enough, anyway. I wonder if playing for the Steelers is anything like Rodgers thought it would be.