Former NFL GM Rips Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers: ‘Could Be Irrelevant By Thanksgiving’

Talk about a hot take.

Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, now an analyst for ESPN, appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Wednesday. And when the topic turned to the Pittsburgh Steelers signing four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, Tannenbaum didn’t hold back.

“I’ll make a bold prediction … I think Aaron Rodgers could be irrelevant by Thanksgiving,” Tannenbaum said. “A non-playoff team with a 42-year-old quarterback who’s a legend that’s going off into the sunset.”

Rodgers is coming off a pair of largely unsuccessful seasons with the Jets. Before that, he enjoyed an extended run with the Packers, spending 18 seasons in Green Bay and leading the team to victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

In Pittsburgh, Rodgers replaces Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom played last season for the Steelers. Wilson left for the New York Giants, while Fields decided to replace Rodgers in the Jets’ huddle.

All this will come to a boil in Week 1 when Rodgers returns to MetLife Stadium for the Steelers’ season opener against the Jets. He will get a chance to face his other former team in Week 8, when the Steelers host the Packers on “Sunday Night Football.”

Pittsburgh currently has four quarterbacks on its roster: Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Skylar Thompson. When addressing the media Tuesday for the first time as a Steeler, the 41-year-old Rodgers said he’s embracing the role of mentor for the 23-year-old Howard, who Pittsburgh selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Will’s a good kid. We’ve got to talk a little bit. I thought he did really well today,” Rodgers said. “He seems pretty bright. Not too big for him. Going through the progressions really well.”

Rodgers told the media he plans on taking Howard under his wing and wants to help the rookie grow.

“I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting,” Rodgers said. “Found my seat next to him today in the offensive meeting, whether or not that sticks, right next to Will Howard. So, I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”

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