Aaron Rodgers Signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers finally just signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another grueling offseason saga for Rodgers is once again complete. This time, it makes sense, as Rodgers (41) is coming to a close in his career. Most of the great quarterbacks have played with a second team in hopes of proving to themselves that they can do it on a stage that was not with the team that drafted them. The New York Jets were that for Rodgers, and it famously did not go as planned. This frustration has made for a tough decision for Rodgers. In my mind, this was the first time he seriously contemplated retirement. Understandably so, but the fiery competitor that he is, he thought that teaming up with Mike Tomlin nd the historic Pittsburgh Steelers could be a place to finally attain that elusive second Super Bowl.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a turnstyle at the quarterback position ever since Big Ben (Rothlisberger) finally hung up his cleats after the 2021 season. They ran out the likes of Duck Hodges, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and, most recently, the tandem of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. The Steelers were rumored to have wanted Justin Fields back for this upcoming season, but the Jets’ guarantee of $30 million overperformed Pittsburgh’s offer. So they turned to the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, who could turn out to be the best option they have had in 10 years. Big Ben played like ‘Little Ben’ towards the end, so this is not a stretch.
The Steelers, a regular fixture in the playoffs, have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and have grown restless. Aaron Rodgers will once again try to play savior to a franchise that has become restless. Rodgers will most likely be playing with the best defense he has played with in quite some time. Green Bay rarely had a top-5 defense towards the end of his tenure there, and in 2023, he famously tore his Achilles in his first season, where the Jets had a great defense.
Aaron Rodgers will also be teaming up with a solid offense that features newly acquired DK Metcalf. This offense also has two solid young backs, who are poised to take a step up in Jaylen Warren and the RB that was just drafted, Kaleb Johnson. Najee Harris is heading to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving an opportunity for Warren or Johnson to make a big jump. So what does this all mean for the fantasy side of things?
Fantasy Impact
Aaron Rodgers can pick favorites when it comes to throwing the ball, which is a VERY good thing for Metcalf. He has proven this over the years with Greg Jennings, then Jordy Nelson, then Davante Adams, and Davante Adams again in New York. DK is the clear talent to take over that role with his talent and pedigree. George Pickens, the erratic and untrustworthy receiver, is out of town. DK Metcalf is a proven player when it comes to the football field.
DK Metcalf
DK has also been a very reliable player when it comes to games played. He has only missed 3 games in his career, and Rodgers likes a guy that he can build rapport with, hence the target favoritism. Rodgers still proved he can support a fantasy wide receiver number one in the second half of the season with Davante Adams. Sending 114 targets his way in just 11 games.
While acknowledging that Adams and Metcalf are two different players, with different levels of chemistry with Rodgers, if Metcalf can put up 80% of what Adams did in those 11 games last season, Metcalf will be poised to put up one of his best seasons in the NFL. I expect Metcalf to be a fringe WR1 this season.
Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson was taken in the third round of the NFL draft this past April. He posted stellar numbers at Iowa last season and is poised for a good first season in the NFL. He has been skyrocketing up fantasy draft boards. His quickness and talent are something to watch for as the Steelers’ skill position players this season are much more dynamic than in years past. Johnson, I like to be a top option in this offense and be the steady back for Rodgers to hand the ball off to.
Jaylen Warren
Warren as the feature back excites me. For the last couple of seasons, we have seen Warren provide a lot of excitement in the fantasy community, but Najee Harris put a damper on things with the coaching staff choosing him as their favorite option. With the spotlight open for him, I think that there is a real possibility for him to come into the RB2 conversation this season. I would have anticipated him to get more work in rush-first downs and have an uptick in pass-catching upside, but Kaleb Johnson is now entering the fold for the Steelers. I think Warren will still be the pass catcher, but may see a reduced role on early downs with Johnson there. I also expect this to be a much better offense, leaving more opportunities for him to be on the field with the offense as a whole.
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers’ fantasy impact will be much more subdued as his recent years have suggested. He will play better than the Jets’ years, barring injury, but a QB2 is his upside. His ability to support an NFL offense has always been better than supporting a fantasy team as a top-6 QB. His mobility is basically gone at this point in his career, and you do not necessarily want him moving all that much because it offers more risk of injury.
Rodgers going to Pittsburgh is a move that is will have a large impact on other players more than Rodgers himself. This definitely provides us with more than flexibility in the wide receiver market in early pre-season drafts as Metcalf becomes a way steadier option. Warren or Johnson is now able to be a big part of this offense as well. Overall, this move is a big positive in the fantasy market as a whole and will do more good than harm to our lineups come September.
