Former Steelers Coach Gives Preference for QB Situation
Todd Haley was a driving force for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ last offensive renaissance. The team’s offensive coordinator from 2012-17, he believes Aaron Rodgers could provide the spark the Steelers need behind center.
Rodgers visited the Steelers’ South Side facility Friday but left without a contract. He keeps the Steelers and New York Giants waiting on a decision. Odds point to him eventually settling on the Steelers.
“The best answer still to me finding a way to come to terms with Aaron Rodgers,” Haley said Thursday on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I think Pittsburgh would be a perfect place for him from a perception standpoint and from a place to win. Rodgers is the best-case scenario.”
Haley’s seen what it takes for the Steelers to have a well-oiled attack. His Ben Roethlisberger-led offenses ranked in the top 10 in points scored each year from 2014-17. During that same span, the Steelers placed in the top three in yards three times. The team hasn’t graded out in the top 10 in either of those categories since 2018, the season after Haley’s contract expired.
Last season, the Steelers ranked 23rd in yardage and 16th in points scored. Wilson held the reins for most of the campaign, passing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He won six of his first seven starts before the team imploded, dropping each of its final five contests.
Haley acknowledged Russell Wilson’s deep-ball talents could work with DK Metcalf now in the fold, but he wouldn’t be thrilled about running it back with Wilson.
“If it’s Russell Wilson coming back around, it’s very hard for me to get excited if they just rewind and do what they did,” Haley said.
Wilson has had visits with the Giants and Cleveland Browns this offseason. The Steelers are holding their breath on Rodgers’ decision before moving forward.