Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets released Rodgers, knowing his best days were behind him, and the team went for a younger option at quarterback with Justin Fields. Rodgers’ final season as a Jet ended with a 5-12 record, and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland thinks he is headed for downgrades in a few key spots. McFarland mentioned that Rodgers will have an offensive line downgrade with the Steelers, and he will see a downgrade at the skill positions.
McFarland mentioned the Jets have three reliable linemen in Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and first-round pick Armand Membou. The Jets have used plenty of resources on the offensive line, and Rodgers will likely miss being protected by them. Also, McFarland thinks the skill players are better in New York due to the Steelers recently trading away George Pickens. The Steelers’ top two pass catchers are D.K. Metcalf and Pat Friermuth, while the Jets have Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and rookie tight end Mason Taylor.
Well… well… well…@ESPNBooger believes Aaron Rodgers going from the #Jets to the #Steelers is a DOWNGRADE! 👀
‘You could make an argument that the Jets got a top-5 offensive line in football, especially when they’re healthy. I don’t know if you can say the same in… pic.twitter.com/iOE004B0Pb
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) June 8, 2025
If you compare the offensive lines, you will see that the Jets are much better. According to CBS, Former NFL lineman Kyle Long recently ranked each offensive line into tiers. He put the Steelers in the “D Tier” while the Jets were in the “B Tier.” With Rodgers entering his age-42 season, he needs good offensive line play to keep him upright. If the Steelers struggle in the front five, this season could be devastating.
As for the skill position players, it is a toss-up, and it will be interesting to see how Rodgers fits in with Metcalf, as they are both new to the Steelers. The Steelers will likely remain a run-heavy offense, which could help alleviate some pressure off Rodgers. It will be fun to see what the Steelers look like this season, and if Rodgers can overcome the presumed downgrades.
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