Nothing compares to the NFL. Its nature is sometimes predictable. Sometimes, it defies logic. Who would have thought? The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are both looking for new head coaches after their recent regular seasons — unfamiliar territory for two teams that have shied away from that reality for nearly two decades.
These rivals have been fighting each other for generations, partly because they despise each other, but mostly because they are like-minded. You can’t tell the history of the league without acknowledging its consistent physical prowess.
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That consistency initially attracted Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin to Pittsburgh. But now that Tomlin is gone, new problems have arisen. Will Rodgers return under new leadership? Could the Steelers’ reported interest in Rodgers’ longtime Green Bay coach, Mike McCarthy, have anything to do with his hiring?
Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy could reunite with Steelers in Pittsburgh.
As the league prepares for Super Bowl 60, NFL Network insiders are adding fuel to the conversation. With Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow entrenched in the AFC North, Pittsburgh knows they’ll need more than just quarterback ability to compete. Rodgers may not be the player he once was, but he’s still better than most players in the league.
According to Tom Pelissero, Rodgers has not informed the Steelers whether he will return for a 22nd season, but the possibility is growing. He has spoken multiple times with McCarthy, the coach who helped him win four MVPs and Super Bowl titles. He also connected with wide receiver DK Metcalf.
“Rodgers has not informed the Steelers whether he will return for a 22nd NFL season, but my understanding is that the possibility is increasing. I have heard that Rodgers has spoken several times with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, who, of course, helped Rodgers develop into a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion in Green Bay. Rodgers has also spoken with wide receiver DK Metcalf, who wants Rodgers back at age 42.”
Rodgers is expected to take a while to make a decision, preferably before free agency in mid-March. This is Aaron Rodgers, though. Only he knows what he is thinking. Contracts, timelines and fit are all important, but so is history.
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In a league that thrives on surprise, perhaps the boldest rules still apply. Never say never, especially when Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy find their way back to each other.
If there’s one thing the NFL has taught us, it’s that the most unlikely reunions often become reality. If history is any guide, the story may not be over yet.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Aaron Rodgers return to Steelers ‘possibility increasing’