Shannon Sharpe delivered a clear assessment of the difficulties the Pittsburgh Steelers face as they pursue quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The veteran NFL analyst and Hall of Famer emphasized the competitive environment in the AFC North, where elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson dominate.
Sharpe spoke on the Nightcap podcast about the Steelers’ efforts to acquire Rodgers after Justin Fields signed with the New York Jets, making Rodgers their primary target at quarterback.
In his remarks, Sharpe noted,
“I mean, you’re in that division—you’ve got Burrow and you’ve got Lamar to deal with. And so, in order for you to have a chance to win, you’re going to have to have exemplary quarterback play. You’ve got to. And they feel that he gives them the best opportunity. I heard what they said about Mason Rudolph and anybody else.”
This warning aligns with the statistical showcase of the division’s quarterback talent; Joe Burrow led the NFL in 2024 with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, posting the third-highest QBR at 74.7. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson recorded 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdowns with only four interceptions, maintaining the highest QBR at 77.3.
Aaron Rodgers seeks significant offensive control in Pittsburgh talks
Beyond Pittsburgh’s ambition to sign Rodgers, the negotiations face complexity as the veteran quarterback reportedly demands extensive control over the Steelers’ offense. Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show offered insight into Rodgers’ expectations regarding play-calling flexibility during his Kaboly and Mack podcast.
Kaboly stated,
“Do you think the playbook matters to Aaron Rodgers? Because I really do believe that it’s gonna be Aaron Rodgers’ playbook.
“He’s gonna call what he wants to call and that might be a little bit of a battle. I wanna believe that Aaron Rodgers is gonna get a lot of carte blanche when it comes to this offense. What he wants to do and what he wants to call.”
He added further context on Rodgers’ influence in the offense, revealing,
“I’ve heard rumblings of Rodgers wanting to call his own plays. I don’t know how true that is, so just keep that in the back of your mind more than a report or anything to that fact. I mean he’s been in the league 20 years. He has four MVPs. You have to assume some of that was going to be that anyway.”
Steelers maintain alternative options amid uncertain negotiations
Should talks with Rodgers stall or fail to reach agreement, Pittsburgh has plans to explore other veteran quarterbacks. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kirk Cousins remains a potential fallback despite concerns from his recent season performance.
In 2024, Cousins completed 66.9% of his passes with 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, but also threw 16 interceptions, raising questions about his turnover issues. At 36 years old, Cousins could offer experience but may not provide the same upside the Steelers seek with Rodgers.
The importance of quarterback control in Pittsburgh’s AFC North prospects
The pursuit of Aaron Rodgers is complicated by the realities of competing in a division with top quarterbacks like Burrow and Jackson, which demands not only talent but also leadership and control over the offensive scheme. Rodgers’ desire to shape the playbook underscores the negotiation challenges ahead for Pittsburgh.
The outcome of these talks will significantly influence the Steelers’ ability to contend in a tough AFC North. Should Rodgers join Pittsburgh on his terms, it could reshape the offense to meet his style, potentially affecting team dynamics and future success. Conversely, failing to secure Rodgers may force the Steelers to look elsewhere for a quarterback capable of matching the division’s high standard of play.