The Pittsburgh Steelers have accumulated 111 wins since 2015, ranking among the league's most successful teams over that span. However, that sustained regular-season success has translated to just three playoff victories, with the last one coming in 2017.
Quarterback instability following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement has contributed significantly to this playoff drought. Despite fan preference for giving young quarterbacks a chance—even at the cost of ending the franchise's 22-year run of non-losing seasons—the Steelers have once again turned to Aaron Rodgers, bringing back the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer on another one-year deal.
Rodgers Justified the Steelers' Faith
While skepticism is warranted, Rodgers demonstrated enough last season to earn his re-signing. The four-time league MVP led Pittsburgh to its first division title since 2020, accomplishing this feat while playing the second half of the year with a severely injured left wrist and the entire season with a subpar receiving corps.
The reasoning behind keeping Rodgers extends beyond immediate playoff hopes. Pittsburgh aims to address both its short-term competitiveness and long-term quarterback development simultaneously.
The Playoff Loss Revealed Roster Limitations
Many forget the Steelers were within striking distance of the Texans for most of January's wild-card playoff game before a defensive score opened the floodgates. Pittsburgh's lack of offensive weaponry—not Rodgers—was the primary reason the team scored just six points, extending its playoff-win drought to nine seasons.
The defeat in Houston served as a harsh reminder that even a 42-year-old quarterback cannot elevate an offense alone. Tom Brady proved multiple times that a 40-something quarterback can win a Super Bowl, but he always had a supporting cast. The Steelers' roster, while imperfect, should provide Rodgers with more advantageous situations than last season.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Rodgers' return allows rookie third-round pick Drew Allar and pseudo-rookie Will Howard a year to learn from one of the best to ever play the position. This mentorship opportunity was indeed a factor in Mike McCarthy's decision to take the head coaching job with full knowledge of the quarterback situation.
The real benefit of retaining Rodgers is the hope that he can still deliver in pivotal moments. This mirrors Tom Brady's heroics in 2018 and 2020 and John Elway's performances in 1997 and 1998. Rodgers proved capable of rising to the occasion with a game-winning touchdown pass against the Ravens in Week 18.
Improved Roster Around Rodgers
Pittsburgh enters 2026 with a considerably upgraded roster, particularly with the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. and the draft selection of Jerrick Bernard. The Steelers also strengthened their backfield by signing Rico Dowdle, a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the past two years.
Most significantly, Pittsburgh assembled what should be its best offensive line since 2020. While the team missed on wideout Makai Lemon in the first round, they pivoted to Max Iheanacho, a freakishly athletic offensive tackle who did not allow a single sack during his final season at Arizona State. Iheanacho and fourth-round pick Gennings Dunker could be the final pieces of a transformed offensive line.
A Sound, Logical Decision
Bringing Rodgers back for another year isn't a desperate attempt to extend the inevitable or chase a playoff victory. It's a calculated decision from a franchise confident in its players, its 2026 championship aspirations, and its ability to identify, develop, and eventually transition to its long-term quarterback—whether that's Allar, Howard, or another player yet to emerge.
The Steelers clearly believe they have assembled—and continue building—a team capable of helping Rodgers cap off his stellar career with another Super Bowl win.