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Peyton Manning sounds off on Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers, 2025 outlook

Meby: Nick Geddes07/01/25NickGeddesNews

Peyton Manning knows the value of a change in scenery. He joined the Denver Broncos in 2012 and won his second Super Bowl in his fourth and final season with the team. Aaron Rodgers got his change of scenery in 2023 after the Green Bay Packers traded him to the New York Jets.

Between injuries and a drop off in performance, it didn’t work out for Rodgers in the “Big Apple.” But for what is perhaps his 21st and final season in the NFL, Rodgers is giving it a try in Pittsburgh. Manning said on Monday’s “Pat McAfee Show” that he’s excited about the opportunity for Rodgers with the Steelers.

“I’m excited for Aaron. It’s a good opportunity,” Manning said. “… There’s no substitute for experience, and what Aaron can do to help these receivers — you wouldn’t think that would take a lot of time for them to get on the same page because Aaron’s played with so many guys and knows how to make those adjustments. I think the whole team needs to do their part as well. The defense needs to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. You’re probably not expecting him to go out and score 40 points every week.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it. Look, it’s a big change. I know Aaron went to the Jets and got hurt and wasn’t really what he was hoping for. Hopefully, this is a good chapter for him, and he can finish strong if it is his last year. I know Tom [Brady] talked about going down to Tampa and that was exciting. It was like going to a new school and I felt that way when I went to Denver. It can kind of be invigorating to a quarterback. Hopefully, Aaron takes that energy and goes out and plays really well this year.”

Steelers all-in on 2025 season after signing Aaron Rodgers

The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Tear it down to the studs, they have not. In addition to signing Rodgers, Pittsburgh has acquired receiver DK Metcalf, traded for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith and signed cornerback Darius Slay.

It’s one final ride for Rodgers. Manning went out on top; will Rodgers?