Former NFL GM’s bold Aaron Rodgers prediction should worry Steelers

According to former NFL general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a colossal mistake.

During Wednesday’s edition of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Tannenbaum blasted Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who signed with the organization on June 7.

“I think Aaron Rodgers is going to be irrelevant by Thanksgiving,” Tannenbaum said, predicting that Pittsburgh will be the third-best team in the AFC North this season, behind the Cincinnati Bengals and reigning division champion Baltimore Ravens.

While there are questions about whether Rodgers makes the Steelers a Super Bowl contender, the suggestion that Pittsburgh, which has never had a losing record under head coach Mike Tomlin, will bottom-out with Rodgers is surprising.

It also seems unlikely that the Steelers would reach the point where they bench Rodgers for rookie sixth-round NFL Draft pick Will Howard, which Tannenbaum suggested as a possibility.

Rodgers isn’t close to his four-time MVP peak, but he’s still a solid quarterback. Last season with the New York Jets, he threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Tannenbaum’s bold prediction for Rodgers’ 2025 season might just be his way of backing his former employer. He spent seven seasons as the Jets general manager (2006-12) and assisted in the organization’s head coach and general manager search this offseason.

New York would look foolish if Rodgers has a big season and leads the Steelers to the playoffs while it struggles with Justin Fields at quarterback. 

But if Tannenbaum is correct, Pittsburgh will be the one ruing its Rodgers decision. And if he’s wrong, Tannenbaum could have his own regrets.