Daily News & Links: Aaron Rodgers Makes Public Appearance; Steelers Free Agency Grade So Far
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🏈 Aaron Rodgers made a public appearance on Saturday amidst the free agency drama.
Rodgers, who co-founded the athlete-backed investment firm RX3 Growth Partners in 2019, participated in the companies annual charity flag football tournament at Orange County’s Saddleback College. Along with Rodgers, fellow NFL quarterbacks Josh Allen, Bryce Young, Sam Darnold, Joe Flacco, Daniel Jones and Marcus Mariota, among others.
🏈 Pro Football Focus gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a B- for their free agency haul so far.
“The Steelers made a significant investment in Metcalf, trading the No. 52 overall pick to acquire him from Seattle and signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal—making him the latest receiver to earn $30 million per year. While Metcalf is a talented player, his skill set closely mirrors that of George Pickens, potentially creating redundancies if Pickens isn’t traded. Since entering the league in 2019, Metcalf has more than doubled the next closest receiver in accepted penalties (17)—ironically, that next closest receiver is Pickens with eight,” PFF wrote.
🏈 In his introductory press conference with the Steelers, cornerback Darius Slay explained why he left the Philadelphia Eagles for the Steelers in free agency.
“It’s just a great opportunity, man, I always talk about Mike T a lot,” Slay said. “He’s the one of the coaches I always you know look forward to have a plan with if I got the chance to, I’ve been seeing him doing great things for this organization and you know he wins and I’m a winner and I like being a winner so why not.”
🏈 NFL insider Benjamin Allbright reports that the Minnesota Vikings have no interest in Aaron Rodgers even though he’s interested in them.
🏈 NFL insider Jordan Schultz is also hearing that the Vikings are not all-in on Aaron Rodgers. They want to ride with their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
“While there have been murmurs about the Vikings and Rodgers, I have not gotten the sense Minnesota wants to go in that direction,” Schultz wrote. “After losing backups Daniel Jones and Nick Mullens in free agency, the Vikings will likely add a veteran to their QB room at some point as they prepare 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy.”
🏈 Lead singer of the glam-metal band Poison, Bret Michaels, wished Mike Tomlin a Happy Birthday on Saturday. Michaels, who’s a Butler native and diehard Steelers fan, has developed a close relationship with Tomlin over the years.
🏈 Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests the Steelers look at Jameis Winston if Aaron Rodgers falls through: “I know they’re gonna end up with who you think I know. I’m looking at him right now. Jameis Winston. If they don’t sign Rodgers, they’re gonna go with Jameis Winston. Because he can at least get the ball down the field to DK Metcalf.”
🏈 Florio also thinks Mason Rudolph could be a legit starter for the Steelers in 2025.
Mike Florio says it’s time that Steelers Nation takes Mason Rudolph seriously as a guy who can potentially lead Pittsburgh’s offense in the 2025 season.
“I think we need to take Rudolph seriously as a potential plan A. I think that Rudolph closes the door on Russell Wilson,” Florio said.
🏈 Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is hosting his first youth camp in Pittsburgh. It will take place on June 21 at Chartiers Playground & Field.
🏈 Kenny Pickett got in some work with Geno Smith in Florida this offseason. Pickett has a lot of respect for Smith in regards to what he went through in his NFL journey.
STEELERS NOW CONTENT FROM MARCH 15
🏈 Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson is a Low-Risk, High-Reward RB | Steelers Draft Profile
🏈 Najee Harris Reveals When He Knew His Time Was Up with Steelers
🏈 Le’Veon Bell’s Name Removed from High School Football Field
🏈 All-Pro Fullback Re-Signs with 49ers after Visiting Steelers
🏈 Russell Wilson Strikes Out Again, Leaves Giants Without Deal
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