As crazy as it sounds, Aaron Rodgers has the Packers' culture in mind to choose his next destination in NFL free agency
Aaron Rodgers left Green Bay complaining that the Packers didn't treat their stars the right way. He wanted more say, more power, and things done his way. After two years on the New York Jets doing most of the things he wanted, the Packers model doesn’t look that bad anymore.According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, […]
Aaron Rodgers left Green Bay complaining that the Packers didn't treat their stars the right way. He wanted more say, more power, and things done his way. After two years on the New York Jets doing most of the things he wanted, the Packers model doesn’t look that bad anymore.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Green Bay’s culture and style as a franchise are a big point of reference to what Rodgers wants to do in his first free agency process in the NFL. And that’s ultimately why the Pittsburgh Steelers has an advantage over the New York Giants.
“While money is always a factor in the NFL, I don’t really get the idea it will be in this particular case, with either the New York Giants or the Steelers. At this point, my sense is that whatever Rodgers decides will come down to what he sees as the best football situation.
And along those lines, I’ve heard Rodgers is looking for a culture such as the one in Green Bay.
I get it if that sounds a little strange after the drama of the four-time MVP’s final years as a Packer. But over the past few months, Rodgers has been open with people around him on his renewed appreciation for what he had for 18 seasons in Wisconsin. Call it a grass-is-greener dynamic if you want, but it definitely has felt, to some of those around him, like spending a couple years as a New York Jet made Rodgers view the situation he had more favorably.
That’s also one area where the Steelers have an edge—Pittsburgh has a long-established culture, a family-business feel, and stability, just like Green Bay.”
To be fair, the Giants have some elements of that with a stable ownership, but the franchise has gone over a lot of changes over the past decade. The Steelers have had the same head coach since 2007, a smooth general manager transition inside the building like the Packers did, and a similar way of operating and building the roster—even though you could argue that the Steelers tend to be a little more aggressive, which would be positive for Rodgers at this point of his career.
The Steelers have a solid offensive line—13th in pass block win rate, much better than the New York Jets, who were 23rd. They also have top deep threats like George Pickens and recently-acquired DK Metcalf. It's not a perfect offense by any means, but it's a good infrastructure, a solid coaching staff, and a steady organization.
The more things change, the more things stay the same. And for Aaron Rodgers, playing for a team that has a familiar feel might be the best possible outcome to finish out his NFL career.
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