“Front-runner for Arch Manning”: Skip Bayless sounds alarm on Steelers’ trajectory in 2025 after Aaron Rodgers gamble 

Aaron Rodgers finally decided on his NFL future. After weeks of uncertainty, the four-time NFL MVP decided to join the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal. He is expected to take over as the team's starting quarterback despite them drafting Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

However, analyst Skip Bayless has already sounded the alarm on how the Steelers' 2025 campaign will go. On the latest episode of his show, he said the franchise would end up with a disappointing record, putting them in the run to acquire Texas Longhorns star Arch Manning next year.

He also did not believe that Rodgers would have an impact in helping the Steelers become a Super Bowl contender.

"I said he's washed. I said all you need to know that three teams have effectively dumped him," Bayless said. "10 years since you won a playoff game, and now it sure appears that you could be the front runner in what I assume or presume, it's going to be the Arch Manning derby next year. You could just have the worst record in the league, especially stuck in that division with that new quarterback (Aaron Rodgers)...

(from 29:10 mark onwards)

Manning joined the Longhorns in 2023. He spent the first two years as the backup to Quinn Ewers. Now, with Ewers joining the Miami Dolphins in this year's draft, Manning is expected to take over and lead the team to glory this upcoming season.

Some experts and analysts believe that Manning will end up declaring for the 2026 NFL draft. Skip Bayless believes that, based on this, the Steelers could end up being a competitor to acquire Manning since they are predicted to have a disappointing one-season stint with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

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Chad Johnson believes Mike Tomlin's fate is tied to Aaron Rodgers' performance

Mike Tomlin last led the Steelers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2010 when they lost to the Green Bay Packers. It's been over a decade since they won in the playoffs. Now, ex-NFL star Chad Johnson believes that Tomlin might find himself on the hot seat if Aaron Rodgers fails to impress this upcoming season.

On Sunday's episode of "Nightcap", Johnson highlighted how Rodgers' performance could have an impact on Tomlin's future with the Steelers.

"If he doesn't play well, you know, players get coaches fired now," Johnson said. "And Tomlin could be on the hot seat for making mistakes. Obviously, he (Aaron Rodgers) made them wait. He had the whole organization waiting. He's coming, and obviously he's signed because they got mini-camp coming up very soon...

"And he wants to be a part of it.... That a good sign.... That lets me know he's buying in as opposed to what we did last season out there in New York," he added.

(from 4:45 mark onwards)

Rodgers did not have a great two-season stint with the Jets. After missing out on the 2023 campaign due to an injury, the quarterback put up a disappointing 5-12 record last year.

However, it looks like Tomlin is going all in on this gamble and has faith in the four-time NFL MVP being the answer to end their playoff loss streak.