NFL Exec Can't Think of 'Worse Combination' Than Aaron Rodgers With Metcalf, Steelers
As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait for Aaron Rodgers to make his decision in free agency, executives around the NFL are skeptical about his fit with the organization.
Speaking to The Athletic's Mike Sando, one league executive said they "can’t think of a worse combination" for Rodgers than playing with DK Metcalf, George Pickens and working with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Rodgers' options seem to be down to either the Steelers or retirement. While there have been some rumblings the four-time MVP could decide to retire, nothing definitive has come out in that regard.
Footage was posted online this week showing Rodgers working out on a football field and throwing passes to Metcalf.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II told reporters on Tuesday from the annual league meetings they are "getting positive sort of signals" about Rodgers and they "feel pretty good about it at this point."
Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor and Kevin Seifert, the Steelers continue to be "engaged" in talks with Rodgers since his in-person visit to their facilities on March 21.
If the Steelers are able to sign Rodgers, there have been plenty of questions raised about the potential dynamic between him and their receiver duo.
Rodgers is known to want his receivers to be very exact and precise with what they are doing at all times. Metcalf and Pickens don't really fit that style. They're tremendously talented players, but they are at their best winning down the field.
Metcalf uses his big body to outmuscle opposing cornerbacks, while Pickens uses his incredible catch radius to pull the ball out of the air even when it seems like there's no window for him to make a play.
Smith, who is entering his second season as offensive coordinator, has been criticized for his game-planning going back to his time as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
It seems like a given, despite being insistent they are comfortable with Mason Rudolph, the Steelers will add at least one more quarterback this offseason. It could be Rodgers, or possibly someone early in the draft.
If it ends up being Rodgers, there are a lot of combustible elements in a condensed area that could go off at any moment if things don't start well next season.
If Rodgers comes in and is able to stabilize the quarterback spot for Pittsburgh, all of these potential concerns will be washed away.
