The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely bringing back 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers for a second season, which may keep them in a cycle of mediocrity. The team faces a best-case scenario of a playoff appearance but risks finishing last in the AFC North.
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Weâve seen this movie before.
It looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers are resuming the Aaron Rodgers Experience, with all signs pointing to the 42-year-old returning for a second season with the team. This also means the proud franchise will likely remain stuck in the same cycle of mediocrity it has been trapped in for over a decade. By going back to Rodgers, the Steelers are going nowhere.
Whatâs the best-case, realistic scenario here? Rodgers gets Pittsburgh to the playoffs, where, maybe, somehow, they win one postseason game before being throttled by a superior opponent. The worst-case scenario is finishing last in the AFC North.
A Terrible Towel-waving optimist will focus on Rodgersâ last-minute touchdown pass to Calvin Austin, which sent the Steelers to the postseason. A Terrible Towel-waving pessimist will focus on the fact that Pittsburgh needed a game-ending missed field goal by the Baltimore Ravens. Once in the playoffs, Rodgersâ performance against the Houston Texans was among the worst in recent history.Â
Tom Brady was an outlier. Most 40-something quarterbacks have little left in the tank. At his peak, Rodgers used his arm and legs to challenge defenses, which is what made him a 4-time MVP with the . Now he plays like a guy afraid of getting hurt, throwing quick, short passes and only occasionally pushing the ball downfield.
Aaron Rodgers' return may perpetuate the Steelers' cycle of mediocrity, limiting their potential for improvement.
The best-case scenario is that the Steelers make the playoffs and potentially win one postseason game.
The Steelers could risk finishing last in the AFC North if they do not improve significantly with Rodgers.
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In 2026, Rodgers will be reunited with his former Green Bay coach. The Steelersâ decision to hire Mike McCarthy was curious, and it would make more sense if Rodgers were much younger. However, believing this will succeed is a Disney fantasy. The more likely outcome is that the 2026 Steelers will look very similar to the 2025 Steelers.
You wish Pittsburgh had the courage to move on from a quadragenarian who ranked No. 27 in QBR last season. The Steelers owe nothing to Rodgers, and it might be worth their while to explore other options. McCarthy could use 2026 to develop another starting quarterback, whether thatâs in-house (rookie Drew Allar or second-year man Will Howard) or by bringing in someone like Anthony Richardson.Â
Even if these choices arenât the long-term answer and the Steelers struggle, there is a silver lining. The 2027 NFL Draft is expected to be loaded with quarterback talent. As many as six quarterbacks could be selected in the first round, including Arch Manning if he declares early.Â
The Steelers compete in a conference that includes Patrick Mahomes (30), Lamar Jackson (29), Josh Allen (29), Justin Herbert (28), and Drake Maye (23). All of these guys are still relatively young. Three of them have won MVPs, and the other two may eventually get one.
Pittsburgh needs a fresh face at quarterback now, not an old one like Rodgers, who will keep them in the status quo.