RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Eric Mangini thinks that Aaron Rodgers ‘ future with the Pittsburgh Steelers could become an organizational decision under Mike McCarthy.
Rodgers enters his second NFL season in Pittsburgh while McCarthy begins his first year as head coach. Their reunion creates expectations after their successful run together with the Green Bay Packers.
Speaking on “First Things First,” Mangini said McCarthy will have little patience if Rodgers’ performance becomes a major problem.
“I think it absolutely has it in them,” Mangini said. “A hundred thousand percent. This is his last chance as a head coach, and he’s going to do whatever is in his best interest to win.”
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McCarthy’s history with Rodgers adds another layer. The two won Super Bowl XLV together, but their relationship eventually deteriorated before McCarthy’s 2018 firing.
Mangini thinks that history could influence how McCarthy handles difficult decisions.
“And I mean, as much as things are good right now, he went to Dallas because that cat didn’t want him in Green Bay,” Mangini said. “That’s in the back of your mind. It’s like, okay, well, I had to change addresses because you weren’t happy with me. Now, if I’m not happy with you [that can happen].”
That creates an unusual dynamic entering a season with little margin for error.
Aaron Rodgers’ performance could determine the Steelers’ direction
Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) takes the field for a practice session at Training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The Steelers went 10-7 last season and won the AFC North before losing 30-6 to Houston in the Wild Card round.
Rodgers delivered 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions across 16 starts. However, his limited mobility and conservative passing approach remained concerns.
Mangini stressed that Pittsburgh would need sustained poor quarterback play before considering a major change.
“I don’t do it,” Mangini said. “I don’t think this is any kind of quick ball. It’s going to have to be consistent bad quarterback play.”
When asked what that threshold could look like, Mangini pointed toward the broader season.
“If the season is getting away because of him and everything else is [fine],” he said.
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That distinction matters because Pittsburgh has built its 2026 roster around winning now. The Steelers added DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., giving Rodgers stronger weapons.
McCarthy also inherits T.J. Watt and a defense expected to keep Pittsburgh competitive. The roster therefore leaves little excuse for sustained offensive struggles.
“That would probably be an organizational decision, not just a head coaching decision,” Mangini said.
For Pittsburgh, Rodgers’ performance will shape more than the quarterback position. It could determine how fast the franchise moves toward its next phase.
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