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Former NFL GM Makes Bold Prediction for Aaron Rodgers, Steelers

Ryan Phillips

Aaron Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns for the New York Jets in 2024.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns for the New York Jets in 2024. / Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
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Mike Tannenbaum is not a believer in Aaron Rodgers.

On Wednesday, the ESPN NFL analyst and former general manager predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers would struggle this season with Rodgers at the helm.

"I think Aaron Rodgers is going to be irrelevant by Thanksgiving," Tannenbaum said. "A non-playoff team, a 42-year-old quarterback who's a legend that's going off into the sunset... They're the third-best team in the division, they're going to have to find out about Will Howard, who they drafted from Ohio State, who I think is very intriguing. I don't think they can really win this division. And I think by the end of this season we're going to be talking about a massive transition."

Full video of the segment is below.

Rodgers struggled the past two seasons as a member of the New York Jets. He only lasted one series in 2023 before tearing his Achilles tendon. In 2024, the team's offense struggled as he completed 63.0% of his passes for 3,897 yards, with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His passer rating (90.5) and QBR (48.0) were career-lows for a full season.

The Steelers waited months for Rodgers to sign, so they have to believe the gamble is worth it. Tannenbaum disagrees.

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Ryan Phillips
RYAN PHILLIPS

Ryan Phillips is a senior writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He has worked in digital media since 2009, spending eight years at The Big Lead before joining SI in 2024. Phillips also co-hosts The Assembly Call Podcast about Indiana Hoosiers basketball and previously worked at Bleacher Report. He is a proud San Diego native and a graduate of Indiana University’s journalism program.