Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has signed 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth $13.65 million, giving the team an established starter at quarterback despite concerns about his mobility.
The Steelers were looking for a quarterback who could make plays happen when their running backs weren’t moving forward, but ultimately settled on Rodgers due to his experience and passing ability. The signing gives the team an established pecking order at the game’s most important position, with Rodgers starting training camp as the starter.
However, Rodgers’ mobility is no longer a concern in the same way it was last season. The quarterback once could break long runs when forced from the pocket, but now struggles to keep up with younger players. Despite this, Rodgers still has the ability to get the ball into the end zone and has shown flashes of brilliance despite his age.
The good:
Rodgers can still throw touchdowns and complete passes at a high rate. He threw 28 touchdown passes last season, despite playing in an injury-plagued year that limited him to only 16 games. Rodgers also showed improvement towards the end of the season, throwing for 18 touchdowns and four interceptions after returning from his Achilles tendon injury.
The bad:
Rodgers’ age is starting to catch up with him. He threw 11 interceptions last season, a number that tied for ninth in the league. This, combined with his limited mobility, raises concerns about how he will hold up over the course of the season.
Additionally, Rodgers has struggled to make deep connections and has taken more sacks than any other quarterback in the league this year. The Steelers’ offensive line, which features first-year starters at tackle and center, may not be able to provide him with enough protection to keep him upright.
The aging:
Rodgers’ signing is a gamble on his ability to lead the Steelers back to the Super Bowl. At 41 years old, he is one of the oldest quarterbacks in the league, but he has shown flashes of brilliance despite his age. The only other quarterback to win a Super Bowl after age 40 is Tom Brady, who did it twice.
Ultimately, the Steelers believe that Rodgers gives them their best chance at returning to the Super Bowl, and they are willing to take a risk on him to make that happen.
Source: https://triblive.com/sports/analyzing-the-good-and-bad-about-an-aging-aaron-rodgers-taking-over-as-steelers-qb