**ESPN Said: If Rodgers Is as Bad as Many of You Think He Is, Then the Steelers Will Have a Better Draft Position to Get One of the Top QB Prospects. For Me, I Think…**

 

**ESPN Said: If Rodgers Is as Bad as Many of You Think He Is, Then the Steelers Will Have a Better Draft Position to Get One of the Top QB Prospects. For Me, I Think…**

The recent ESPN take on Aaron Rodgers stirred plenty of reactions — and for good reason. The comment went something like this: *“If Rodgers is as bad as many of you think he is, then the Steelers will have a better draft position to get one of the many top QB prospects.”* It’s a bold statement that ties two storylines together — Rodgers’ future with the Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ hunt for a franchise quarterback.

For me, I think this perspective is a little simplistic — and maybe even a bit short-sighted. Yes, if the Jets underperform, the draft pick Pittsburgh holds (from any potential trade or compensatory formula) might improve. But hinging your hope on another team’s failure — especially tied to a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers — is risky business. Plus, there’s more nuance to what Pittsburgh needs and what direction they’re truly heading.

First, let’s address the Rodgers part. Many critics have written him off after a rough stint with the Jets, capped off by a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 of 2023. Some believe he’s washed, too old, or no longer motivated. But Rodgers isn’t just any quarterback. When healthy, even in his late 30s, he remains one of the smartest and most efficient passers in football. Betting against him completely — especially when he’s reportedly motivated and in excellent shape — is dangerous. If he stays upright and returns to form, the Jets are a playoff team.

But let’s suppose ESPN’s scenario plays out — that Rodgers struggles or gets hurt again, and the Jets miss the playoffs. The Steelers could end up with a higher draft pick due to various pick trades or league positioning. In that case, Pittsburgh would indeed be in a better spot to grab one of the top quarterback prospects in a loaded 2025 class — names like Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, Shedeur Sanders, and Jalen Milroe are already gaining attention.

Here’s the key, though: regardless of Rodgers, the Steelers’ quarterback future still needs sorting out. Kenny Pickett didn’t pan out the way fans hoped, and while Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are intriguing options, neither has long-term certainty attached. Wilson is playing on a prove-it deal. Fields has potential but remains raw. If either fails to lock down the job in 2024, Pittsburgh may need to start fresh — and that means looking to the draft.

So yes, ESPN’s take isn’t entirely off-base. If Rodgers and the Jets flop, Pittsburgh might benefit in draft positioning. But for me, I’d rather see the Steelers take control of their own destiny. Win with defense. Run the ball. Evaluate Wilson and Fields. Make your own statement. And if you’re drafting a QB in 2025, do it not because someone else failed, but because you made a clear decision to move forward.

In short, don’t rely on Rodgers being bad. Rely on Pittsburgh being smart.

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Let me know if you’d like this rewritten from a more fan-based or analytical point of view!