Retired Steelers coach Bill Cowher has one question for Aaron Rodgers. This is because his previous team continues to seek future Hall of Fame induction into the 2025 season.
When asked “The Dan Patrick Show” about Pittsburgh's plans at quarterback on Tuesday, Cowher coached the Steelers from 1992 to 2006, winning the Super Bowl XL – pondered his desire to continue playing the 41-year-old quarterback as the waiting game continues to drag.
“Can he still throw it? Yes.
“When someone started talking about retirement, they've already checked the box, so I think they've checked out to some extent.”
Pittsburgh is pursuing Rogers after two inactive seasons and a release from the Jets.
The Giants are also hunting, but the Vikings (preferred Rogers destination) are moving forward with second-year quarterback JJ McCarthy, coming up with knee surgery.
Cowher added that Rogers is “thinking about” numerous factors, but believes he has the motivation to compete following the 2024 5-12 campaign flop with the Jets.
“Five wins. I think he's rewarding to play because it's not something he wants to go outside as a quarterback for that kind of team. I wonder where he wants to play, but you have to have a conversation about what you have to be sure that he has his heart,” Cowher said.
The Steelers are clearly obsessed with Rogers, but Cowher believes veteran Russell Wilson is the organization's “best choice.”
“You worked with him for a year. A lot of good things have been done. You weren't healthy at the end of the season. It's a much better corporation,” Cowher said, noting his familiarity with the newly acquired Wideout DK Metcalf, who played quarterback together in Seattle.
Wilson, 36, signed a one-year contract with the Steelers' final offseason.
He was sidelined with calf issues and took over to Justin Fields in October after winning his first four games at center.
The Steelers finished the season with a disastrous memo and rode a five-game skid in the wildcard round of the playoffs.
Wilson has since visited with the Browns and Giants and is one of the top free agents in the position still on the market.
Meanwhile, Fields left the Steelers for a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets.
Rodgers is scheduled to play in 2025, but confidant Pat McAfee speculated on Wednesday that his self-titled ESPN program could not be ruled out completely.
“We're not talking to him. This just follows all the other stories he hasn't said anything.” McAfee said.
Rodgers spoke openly about his football mortality rate in 2022, saying he would “always” reflect on his retirement.
“When you commit, you're 100%,” Rogers said at Capital One's “match” event, despite being a member of the Packers. “But as you get older, your interests change and I think the grind will be wearing a little more on you.”
