State of our former QB, Aaron Rodgers

[Firethorn1001]

@Pokerbrat2000 noted on the prior page something about the Steelers might lose a comp pick if they sign Rodgers before the draft, so I figured we wouldn't be hearing anything until after. Surely Rodgers knows this, if that's what's going on.

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

Good point, never thought of that.

The compensatory picks formula is complicated, but I do believe that you are correct.

 

[Thirteen Below]

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

Damn... you're right, according to my AI tool. It scoured the web, scanning 40 sources (from Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated to Bolavip and the Times of India), before finally accepting the word of the New York Times. And this is what it found...

If the Pittsburgh Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, they would not lose compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft because signing Rodgers would not qualify under the compensatory free agent (CFA) formula. According to NFL rules, compensatory picks are awarded based on a team's net loss of CFAs during the prior free agency period. However, players who are released or traded, as opposed to those whose contracts expire and leave as unrestricted free agents, do not count toward this formula359.


Rodgers is currently a free agent due to his release from his previous team, meaning he does not fall under the CFA category. Therefore, signing him would not impact the Steelers' eligibility for compensatory picks in 2026.

So apparently, we are back to the most likely solution - Rodgers is being Rodgers, doing Rodgers-type stuff.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think it's been a sure thing for quite awhile now. Why would you sign him now and screw up 1 or 2 comp picks. I would hope we wouldn't if we were in that position.

So if he signs later the Jets would get comp picks? They cut him, right? I don't see how comp picks factor in here, but I also don't know much about how those picks are awarded. Any additional insight gopkrs? Thanks.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Boy, that seems like a hell of a risk for both parties, unless they have an undisclosed agreement that that's what they're doing. Which woud be about 6 different flavors of illegal, wouldn't it?

Yeah I can't imagine there is anything more than a handshake binding them, if that. I don't quite understand why the Steelers

Damn... you're right, according to my AI tool. It scoured the web, scanning 40 sources (from Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated to Bolavip and the Times of India), before finally accepting the word of the New York Times. And this is what it found...



So apparently, we are back to the most likely solution - Rodgers is being Rodgers, doing Rodgers-type stuff.

Sure sounds like it. Comp picks in this case did not make sense to me for the reasons you mention. So Rodgers is being Rodgers. Or they may be having a hard time reaching agreement on comp. It's hard to see the Steelers, or any team, paying him much for one season of play.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So if he signs later the Jets would get comp picks? They cut him, right? I don't see how comp picks factor in here, but I also don't know much about how those picks are awarded. Any additional insight gopkrs? Thanks.

No, the Jets cut him, so he wouldn't factor into their 2026 Comp picks. In its most general sense, players only become Compensatory Free Agents if they are free to leave their old team against that team’s will.

 

[OldSchool101]

No, the Jets cut him, so he wouldn't factor into their 2026 Comp picks. In its most general sense, players only become Compensatory Free Agents if they are free to leave their old team against that team’s will.

That makes sense.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think Rodgers is a Steeler, that’s just my opinion. There’s several reasons but the most obvious hint was him choosing DK to workout with. That wasn’t by chance as Aaron thinks through things very intently.

I’m not sure anyone knows the $ offer though. If it’s $25mil yearly I doubt Rodgers takes that and probably shouldn’t. IMO his floor should be closer to $35mil. Probably wouldn’t split hairs at $33mil-34 etc.
Rodgers ranked in the Top 16 in nearly every statistical passing category in 2024. I’d put him as the #12-14 best QB last year and potential to crack top #10 QB in the ideal system. In a world where Carr and Wilson make more he’s completely justified at $35mil.

He’s probably open to the Saints in that $40m neighborhood, but his best opportunity past The Vikings is still Pittsburg. Steelers are a 11+ Win team with Aaron under Center and that’s plenty good for a playoff birth. Pitt would be dumb to walk Aaron over $5m

 

[Heyjoe4]

No, the Jets cut him, so he wouldn't factor into their 2026 Comp picks. In its most general sense, players only become Compensatory Free Agents if they are free to leave their old team against that team’s will.

Thanks, that's what I thought.

Not sure if the delay in signing Rodgers by Pitt is due to Rodgers wanting to create attention. I don't get it but wouldn't put it past him.

Or maybe he really is wrestling with the idea of retiring. IMO that's his best course of action. But it's understandably hard for these guys to call it quits.

 

[gopkrs]

So if he signs later the Jets would get comp picks? They cut him, right? I don't see how comp picks factor in here, but I also don't know much about how those picks are awarded. Any additional insight gopkrs? Thanks.

I'm thinking comp picks factor in for the steelers. If a team signs someone; that affects any comp picks they might get for losing a player.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm thinking comp picks factor in for the steelers. If a team signs someone; that affects any comp picks they might get for losing a player.

I think @Firethorn1001 cleared this up (below). Since Rodgers wasn't a compensatory "gain" for the Jets, since they cut him, he wouldn't be a compensatory "loss" for the team that signs him. Even if that signing happens before the cutoff date of 4/28/25.

I've seen this article by Charles Robinson before.

I had always thought that players that were released did not factor into any compensation draft pick compensation. Players who had a contract expire are part of the formula. There are any number of websites that indicate this so, I think he is just incorrect.

I did notice a few articles this morning about the Saints possibly having interest in Rodgers now. Sounds like Carr's shoulder injury is a wildcard and could possibly keep him out longer than originally expected.

 

[gopkrs]

I think @Firethorn1001 cleared this up (below). Since Rodgers wasn't a compensatory "gain" for the Jets, since they cut him, he wouldn't be a compensatory "loss" for the team that signs him. Even if that signing happens before the cutoff date of 4/28/25.



I did notice a few articles this morning about the Saints possibly having interest in Rodgers now. Sounds like Carr's shoulder injury is a wildcard and could possibly keep him out longer than originally expected.

Clear as mud

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'm thinking comp picks factor in for the steelers. If a team signs someone; that affects any comp picks they might get for losing a player.

Didn't know this. Thanks. So then it makes sense that the Steelers and Rodgers will wait until after the draft to ink a deal, I think.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

As Rodgers continues to play the jilted Prom Queen, more and more fans are getting a taste of what Packer fans saw in the 2020's out of A-Rod.

This post just cracked me up.

https://x.com/ScottBarrettDFB/status/1912928117334720987

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

One guy that I typically trust when it comes to his analysis on Aaron Rodgers is Davante Adams. So when I saw what Davante thinks the Steelers need to do to get A-rod to sign, I had to chuckle. I don't think Davante said it tongue-in-cheek either.

"I think Aaron wants someone to roll out the red carpet for him. That is what he is looking for."

Speaking With Davante Adams, Insider Says Aaron Rodgers Wants 'Red Carpet' Rolled Out For Him

If the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to sign Aaron Rodgers, they might need to put on a bigger show. Still a free agent two days before the draft with no indications he’ll sign soon, NFL insider Mike Silver believes Rodgers needs to feel like the Steelers – or any prospective team – really wants...

steelersdepot.com

 

[OldSchool101]

One guy that I typically trust when it comes to his analysis on Aaron Rodgers is Davante Adams. So when I saw what Davante thinks the Steelers need to do to get A-rod to sign, I had to chuckle. I don't think Davante said it tongue-in-cheek either.

"I think Aaron wants someone to roll out the red carpet for him. That is what he is looking for."

Speaking With Davante Adams, Insider Says Aaron Rodgers Wants 'Red Carpet' Rolled Out For Him

If the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to sign Aaron Rodgers, they might need to put on a bigger show. Still a free agent two days before the draft with no indications he’ll sign soon, NFL insider Mike Silver believes Rodgers needs to feel like the Steelers – or any prospective team – really wants...

steelersdepot.com

maybe this isn’t directed at your post specifically but more thought provoking. I know you’re just having fun I do that also. I know Aaron is drama. But for whatever reason I have walk a mile in a man’s shoes type attitude about him. For those that still believe $ solves problems, Solomon said it’s like chasing the wind. He’s got problems like everyone else and so I guess he probably does not deserve sympathy, but I give him some compassion also. At his root I think he’s actually a really good person or at least I see something in him that grasping for goodness. He’s a little craze in the surface but might be the last man to stay in your bunker with you type also.

It is what it is. He’s not an elite QB anymore imo. I think he’s certainly good enough to have a bounce back season still and put himself in that top 6 or top 8 category. That = if the Defense and Teams and Coaching all align a pretty formidable opponent. Last time he won a SB we had a top Defense. He needs to be on a team like Brady had with some O weapons and a Top Defense. Steelers or Vikings are his best shot of 3 outside possibilities in 2025 and the door is closing on 2 of them. Pittsburgh seems to be ok courting him. I think Rodgers likes to play hard to get. Who Does not want to be desired? I just see him as a Steeler and he could be a very good fit for his last season or two.

 

[OldSchool101]

Might just also be that Tomlin/Khan have made an offer to Rodgers but contingent upon their QB of choice not being available in RD1. Rodgers himself slid to the 20’s so stranger things have happened.
I think there’s a 75% Rodgers gets inked by Pitt. I think they divulged their best case is drafting a QB of the future and were upfront with Aaron about it. It’s kinda like an offer to buy your house stands contingent on the outcome of what mine sells for first and those conditions will be known this week.

In a case where Sanders slips outside of the top 5 area etc. I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Pittsburgh leapfrog Saints and make a move towards their future.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Pittsburgh seems to be ok courting him. I think Rodgers likes to play hard to get. Who Does not want to be desired? I just see him as a Steeler and he could be a very good fit for his last season or two.

If Rodgers was 10 years younger or the market for him was more than 1 team, then I would understand playing hard to get. However, with Rodgers "Drama Queen / Complicated Guy" labels, which he may or may not deserve, he just hasn't created the right persona to play hard to get and make fans like or want him more. What he is doing is alienating himself in such a way that a team like Pittsburgh is ready to say "You know what, F ya man, we have seen the drama you create on a team, we don't need that, bye."

 

[OldSchool101]

If Rodgers was 10 years younger or the market for him was more than 1 team, then I would understand playing hard to get. However, with Rodgers "Drama Queen / Complicated Guy" labels, which he may or may not deserve, he just hasn't created the right persona to play hard to get and make fans like or want him more. What he is doing is alienating himself in such a way that a team like Pittsburgh is ready to say "You know what, F ya man, we have seen the drama you create on a team, we don't need that, bye."

Maybe. I still think it’s minor drama it’s not like he’s ripping his jersey off and giving the crowd the middle finger. there’s an old saying. “Winning fixes everything” There’s almost always drama when things are below expectation. If Rodgers tops his 2024 by a smidge all that drama fades like a whisp of vapor. Go out and start 4-1
5-2 etc. and suddenly a new vibe grabs hold.

 

[Magooch]

At least until Thursday (if they take a QB), the Steelers apparently don't think he's "alienated" himself in that way just yet. They can pull the plug at any moment they so desire.

Not saying that you are saying this, but I keep hearing folks in the media saying things like "Rodgers is holding the Steelers hostage". What a load of hogwash. If the Steelers are being "held hostage," it's 100% by their own volition. They are in complete control of the situation. Rodgers isn't under contract with them, and right now owes them absolutely nothing. Zilch. At the same time...Rodgers isn't under contract with them, so they ALSO owe him nothing and have no obligation to continue pursuing him or "leaving the door open". This situation is entirely of their own making. The only "leverage" or "power" that Rodgers has right now is that which Pittsburgh (or any other potentially interested party) is *choosing* to afford to him.

So, in any case, it seems that whatever "Drama" Rodgers is creating...it's apparently not yet reached a point that has caused the Steelers to cut bait. We have been hearing all off-season how Rodgers will bring drama and dysfunction, he's got too much baggage, he wants to make everything about him and doesn't care about the team, AND on top of that he's washed up and just an average-to-slightly above-average quarterback at this point. And yet the Steelers are seemingly still interested in the prospect of having him join them??? Maybe they are waiting to see how the draft shakes out and they'll draft a QB and be done at that point. Maybe they are SO desperate for a QB (and poorly-run, if all the above is true) that they are willing to overlook all of the negatives. Or maybe the Steelers (who I think are generally regarded as a very well-run and "steady" franchise) behind the scenes actually don't feel like there's nearly as much drama as the media likes to make it out to be???

I guess all that to say that A.) if Rodgers is as huge of a hassle as he's made out to be and B.) the Steelers are as well-run as generally believed to be, then I can't imagine a scenario in which they'd willingly choose to allow themselves to be "held hostage" or "strung along" in the way that they allegedly have been. I don't think "A" and "B" can both be true at the same time.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Maybe. I still think it’s minor drama it’s not like he’s ripping his jersey off and giving the crowd the middle finger. there’s an old saying.

For me, Rodgers passive aggressive style of trying to be the smartest guy in the room/organization is what would make him a "Hard Pass" for me. He tried to change his spots with the Jets, yet in the end, there he was, the passive aggressive guy who tried to blame the Jets organization for everything wrong. Yup, maybe that is true, but they just paid you a ton of money, STFU and move on.

 

[OldSchool101]

Actually I can’t think of a better HC QB duo from FA. I actually think Rodgers is perfect with Tomlin. I think he respects him immensely and Vice Versa. That’s just my opinion but it just fits. I think Rodgers is Pitt primary contingency option if they can’t move up and go QB. I don’t see anyone else in Day 2 that’s going to do anything for Pitt for at least 2-3 years.

It’s been 3 years since Big Ben and Steelers actually do have a playoff caliber D. I wouldn’t waste that


Just about every superior athlete has some Diva derivative. It’s almost like it goes with the territory. Can you Harness the Wild Stallion is the ? Holmgren was perfect for Favre. Sometimes it’s just the fit

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Might just also be that Tomlin/Khan have made an offer to Rodgers but contingent upon their QB of choice not being available in RD1. Rodgers himself slid to the 20’s so stranger things have happened.
I think there’s a 75% Rodgers gets inked by Pitt. I think they divulged their best case is drafting a QB of the future and were upfront with Aaron about it. It’s kinda like an offer to buy your house stands contingent on the outcome of what mine sells for first and those conditions will be known this week.

In a case where Sanders slips outside of the top 5 area etc. I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Pittsburgh leapfrog Saints and make a move towards their future.

If the Rodgers decision is being held up by either side, based on who they come out of the draft with, something is messed up. Even if the Steelers get Sanders, they would be crazy to start him year 1. Rodgers is a temporary 1-2 year plug and play vet, nothing more, nothing less.

I still think Rodgers wants to play for the Vikings and is hoping that either JJ McCarthy gets hit by a bus or he looks unready to be the starter. Perfect place for Rodgers to end his career. Indoors for 11 of 17 games, gets to play the Packers twice and a team that is coming off of a 14-3 record.

 

[gopkrs]

Actually, the only drama I see about Rodgers is on this board

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Actually, the only drama I see about Rodgers is on this board

Are you kidding me? Read some of the stuff being written about him in other NFL cities or being said by many of the talking heads.