Madden Monday: Mike Tomlin's 'rep is fading,' that's why he wants Aaron Rodgers

On Friday, free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers paid a visit to Pittsburgh. By Sunday night, ProFootballTalk.com was saying that Rodgers was a “safe bet” to become a Steeler.

During this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X, said that the Steelers would be making a shortsighted decision if the franchise signs him.

“I think the Steelers are dumb enough, and certainly (Mike) Tomlin is arrogant enough and has the hubris where he believes Aaron will come in here and do as he is told. He won’t,” Madden said. “But I think the Steelers as an organization, and especially Tomlin, in his hubris, really believe that.”

The relationship between Rodgers and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will be something to watch from Day 1 if Rodgers signs.

“He’s obviously going to come in and take over the offense,” Madden said. “You think the Steelers are going to run the Arthur Smith offense with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback? I think he’ll walk all over everybody in the organization because that’s just how he operates.”

More sports

• First Call: Aaron Rodgers called a 'safe bet' for Steelers; Russell Wilson still in the mix with Giants
• Tim Benz: Pirates hopes of winning 'in the margins' is easier said than done
• ‘I want to win': Paul Skenes sets bar high, aims to raise ceiling for Pirates

Madden’s biggest criticism is that if the club committed significant cash to Rodgers it would just be about throwing good money after some potentially mediocre results.

“He’s not going to make the team much better,” Madden predicted. “I think they’re going to pay $30 million extra to Rodgers, as opposed to what they’re paying Mason Rudolph. They’re gonna pay all this money to Rodgers, and he’s gonna win maybe two more games and not a playoff game. “

It’s Madden’s belief that the Steelers may bring Rodgers to Pittsburgh for other reasons besides football results.

“The reason they’re bringing him in is because it’s great optics,” Madden explained. “Tomlin is the catalyst behind this. He wants Rodgers badly by all accounts. He can’t wait for that headline: ‘Hall of Fame Quarterback joins Hall of Fame coach in Pittsburgh!’ Tomlin’s optics are struggling lately. His rep is fading a little bit, even among the national media. He sees this as a way to restore a little bit of luster.”

Also in the podcast, we discuss the latest up-and-down game for the Penguins, Sidney Crosby’s shootout struggles, the start of the Pirates’ season, and the NCAA Tournament.