“He'll be irrelevant by Thanksgiving” - Ex-Jets GM predicts brutal downfall for Aaron Rodgers' Steelers stint

Aaron Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh has brought hope, curiosity, and a touch of skepticism. However, former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum isn’t sold on the late-career gamble.

“I think Aaron Rodgers is gonna be irrelevant by Thanksgiving,” Tannenbaum said bluntly on ESPN's 'Get Up' on Tuesday morning.

He cast doubt on both Rodgers’ staying power and the Steelers’ playoff hopes:

"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 gonna have to find out about Will Howard, who they drafted from Ohio State, who I think is very intriguing.

"I don't think they could win this division. And I think by the end of this season, we're gonna be talking about a massive transition."

The Steelers are looking to make the playoffs and get over the first-round hurdle at which they have fallen three times in the past four seasons. Whether Rodgers can rekindle his former MVP form and push the Steelers on in 2025 is a relevant question, and a lot of eyes will be on him when the season begins.

Aaron Rodgers labels Steelers decision "best for my soul"

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Minicamp - Source: Imagn

Tannenbaum's statements come at a time when Aaron Rodgers is just beginning to acclimate to life in black and gold. On Tuesday, he addressed the media following the Steelers’ first mandatory minicamp of the offseason.

"A lot of decisions that I've made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling. So this was a decision that was best for my soul."

The Steelers face arguably the toughest road in the AFC North, with the Ravens and Bengals poised for another high-level clash atop the standings. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is balancing experience and transition: a veteran quarterback at the twilight of his career, and a rookie in Howard waiting in the wings.

In his 18 seasons at the helm, Tomlin has never coached a losing team. Only once has his squad played a game with no playoff implications—and that was more than a decade ago in 2012.