PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Aaron Rodgers seems to be preparing for his final season in Green Bay after agreeing to a reworked contract, then ripping the organization in an interview upon arriving at Packers training camp.
The end of the Rodgers era in Green Bay may happen to coincide with the end of a fellow future Hall-of-Famer's career.
When John Clayton joined The PM Team on Wednesday he indicated that Pittsburgh may be a good match for the Quarterback who defeated them back in Super Bowl 45.
"If Ben is not back then I think they need to consider it strongly."
Ben Roethlisberger is in the final year of his contract and the Steelers have no real financial commitment to the 39 year-old quarterback beyond 2021.
The often cap strapped Steelers will uncharacteristically have over 70 million in cap space next offseason. Due in no small part to Roethlisberger's contract coming off the books.
Pittsburgh would still have to trade for Rodgers from Green Bay, but his reworked contract gives him the leverage to force his way out. Clayton brought to light Kevin Colbert's history to indicate that the Steelers GM would be willing to part with assets for a star.
"You've seen that Kevin Colbert has been a little bit more aggressive in trading to get the players that he wants. He traded up to 10 to get Devin Bush, he made the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick."
If this season is the twilight of Ben Roethlisberger's career, the Steelers would need to solidify the Quarterback position to have a chance to contend in the AFC even if their defense continues to play at an elite level.
"I think you definitely have to look at Aaron Rodgers, because you still want to keep going for that Super Bowl run."
However, if Roethlisberger has a vintage "Big Ben" season, then Clayton could see him remaining the Steelers Quarterback into his 40s.
"I still don't rule out the fact that Ben could be back."