As Aaron Rodgers prepares for his first and what he says will likely be his only season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he rides off into retirement, he recently gave an exclusive interview to Packers on SI's Bill Huber to discuss a variety of topics.
As one would expect, one of the main things discussed was the Week 8 contest between the Steelers and Packers, which the four-time NFL MVP says he doesn't view as a grudge matchup, instead simply calling it "just another game." Rodgers did admit that there might be a little more energy if the game were being played at Lambeau Field, but says he's still excited to see some of his former teammates and coaches.
He also took a little stroll down memory lane, as he looked back on what it was like when Brett Favre faced the Packers as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, which obviously makes sense, as many are viewing the upcoming Pittsburgh-Green Bay matchup in the same manner. So, it wasn't surprising to see that get brought up.
But the thing that caught our attention the most came right at the start of Huber's piece, which was written as follows: "Rodgers called on Monday, one day before roster cuts; interestingly, he asked about the status of receiver Romeo Doubs."
Aaron Rodgers seemingly hints at wanting Steelers to make a move for Packers WR Romeo Doubs
Anyone else find that a little odd? Sure, the two were teammates for Doubs' rookie season in 2022, which was Rodgers' final campaign in Green Bay. But that was also Christian Watson's rookie year, and there was no mention of him at all. And after that initial blurb about Doubs, his name never came up again as the piece progressed.
Now, it's no secret that the Steelers are still looking to add some wide receiver help ahead of the start of the regular season. Yes, they went out and got DK Metcalf in the offseason, but the depth chart is a little thin behind him. So, is Rodgers secretly (or not so secretly, I suppose) hoping Pittsburgh makes a trade to acquire Doubs?
Doubs' name has come up constantly over the last month as a possible cut candidate, an idea Matt LaFleur shut down late last week. But a trade would be interesting, for sure. Not having Watson to start the season makes things more difficult, but Doubs certainly still won't see as many targets as he has the last couple of years.
Not only are Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks still around, but the Packers went out this past April and drafted Matthew Golden in the first round (which had to kill Rodgers, by the way) and then Savion Williams in the third round.
Doubs has no contract beyond this season, so getting at least something for him instead of just letting him waltz into free agency next spring is something to think about. And we know how much Rodgers loves having previous teammates around, so this all actually lines up for him. And we definitely know how much he likes to get his way.
This is all speculation, of course, but it's certainly something worth monitoring. Even if something doesn't happen this week, that doesn't mean it won't down the line. Perhaps the Packers want to see how Watson progresses before moving Doubs, so they could wait until the trade deadline gets closer.
Either way, Rodgers and Doubs will take the field together in Week 8 in Pittsburgh. Now, we just wait and see if they're wearing the same uniform.