Stephen A. Smith tries to calm down Steelers fans: “At least I have a quarterback who I believe Aaron Rodgers is still”

After months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers has finally joined up the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing a one-year deal for the 2025 season reportedly worth “less than $20 million”. And while there has been plenty of skepticism over the move, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is one man who believes the quarterback will prove to be a success despite his advancing years.

Aaron Rodgers’ challenging spell with the Jets

41-year-old Rodgers has been questioned plenty in recent times, particularly after moving to the New York Jets ahead of the 2023 season.

The four-time MVP ruptured his Achilles tendon on his debut for the franchise and was ruled out until 2024. Last season, he played in all 17 regular season games but only led the Jets to five victories. 12 defeats was comfortably the worst return of his career.

Why Stephen A. Smith is backing the Rodgers-Steelers link-up

Smith, though, is backing Rodgers to bounce back in Pittsburgh, where he believes the perfect conditions are in place for the former Packers star to thrive.

“We have a voice and a face of a franchise in Mike Tomlin. This is the first time has an experienced veteran as a coach walking into a situation. And that coach is a pre-eminent voice in the NFL.

“Arthur Smith is a respected offensive coordinator who doesn’t have to pacify and coddle quarterbacks because they’re young, inexperienced and not ready. Or in the case or Russell Wilson, you’re trying to resurrect your career."

Rodgers “not ideal” but “gives Steelers a chance”

Smith admits Rodgers may not be an “ideal” fit, but believes he is still one of the best options the Steelers could have got and is predicting the veteran will help get the most out of Pittsburgh’s other key players.

“It’s not ideal, I get it. But I’m not gonna collar the crime because you don’t have somebody better than Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow. I got news for you - outside Kansas City and maybe Buffalo, who does have somebody better than Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson?

“I’m looking at it from that standpoint. Does this give the Steelers a chance? Does it give (DK) Metcalfe a chance to have some passes caught? Calvin Austin III. How about (Jaylen) Warren running with the football? How about (Pat) Freiermuth catching a football, as a tight end, being the big target that he is?

“I am relieved, because at least I have a quarterback who I believe Aaron Rodgers is still.”

Rodgers is expected to practice with his teammates for the first time on Tuesday (June 10) when the Steelers start mandatory minicamp. As fate would have it, he should make his first competitive appearance for his new team against the Jets, his former employers, in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season on September 7.

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