Bill Cowher Cautions Steelers’ Pursuit for Aaron Rodgers
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher cautions the team's pursuit for free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be all in on free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is “in no rush at all” to make a decision on where he wants to play in 2025. That has raised red flags for former head coach Bill Cowher.
Cowher, who coached the Steelers from 1992-2006 and won Super Bowl XL, questions the 41-year-old’s desire to continue playing as the waiting game drags on.
“Can he still throw it? Yes. Is he mobile enough? I think so. But does he really want to play? I mean, the longer you wait, the more you have to wonder where is his heart and how much does he really want to do it,” Cowher said on the “Dan Patrick Show.” “I always think when somebody starts talking about retirement, they’ve already checked the box and so, they’ve checked out to some degree.”
It’s a fair question. Rodgers has flirted with retirement before, but it’s difficult to imagine the four-time NFL MVP, 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLV MVP hanging up his cleats following a very disappointing 5-12 season with the New York Jets.
The Minnesota Vikings were reportedly Rodgers’ top choice, but they officially pulled out on Wednesday. That leaves just the Steelers and New York Giants as suitors for Rodgers.
However, even if Rodgers is nearing a decision, Cowher still hopes the Steelers go in a different direction.
“I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice,” Cowher said. “It’s going to be a better offensive line room with (Troy) Fautanu coming back and moving Broderick (Jones) to left tackle. I think you’re looking at the best receiver corps you’re gonna have in a long time — if they can keep George Pickens.”
Only time will tell what Rodgers’ decision will be, but if he does choose to play elsewhere, Cowher may just get his wish.
In 2024, Rodgers completed 368 of 584 passes (63.0%) for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.