Barely named head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike McCarthy was quickly confronted with the big question surrounding the organization: the future of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
From his first official press conference, the 62-year-old technician admitted that the idea of finding his former protégé excited him, without rushing a decision.
Building on their long collaboration in Green Bay, notably marked by a Super Bowl title, McCarthy has not hidden his appreciation for the veteran.
He believes that Rodgers remains a major asset, both in terms of his talent and his leadership, while emphasizing the importance of respecting the player’s pace in his thought process. According to him, experienced players sometimes have to take a step back to assess the rest of their career after a demanding season.
The new Steelers pilot also indicated that discussions surrounding the quarterback position are continuing internally, without a specific timetable. Working with general manager Omar Khan, McCarthy wants to move forward cautiously, especially as the NFL draft approaches, where Pittsburgh will have to deal with several possible scenarios.
A key file for the future of the Steelers
This uncertainty has already influenced the team’s decisions during the last draft. The Steelers waited late to select a quarterback, ultimately choosing Will Howard out of Ohio State in the sixth round.
However, the young passer’s progress was hampered by an injury suffered during training camp, which forced him to spend much of the season on the injured list.
Rodgers’ final choice will have a decisive impact on Pittsburgh’s short and medium term strategy. A return of the veteran would offer an immediate and reassuring solution, while a contrary decision would force the organization to accelerate the development of its young talents or explore the free agent market. Regardless, the McCarthy era begins with patience and strategic thinking.
