The Pittsburgh Steelers have recorded 111 wins since 2015, tied for the third-most in the NFL over that span. However, that regular-season success has produced just three playoff wins, with the last coming in 2017. The lack of quarterback stability since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement has contributed to this drought.
Why Rodgers Was the Right Choice
Instead of turning to a young quarterback and potentially ending their 22-year streak of non-losing seasons, the Steelers once again signed Aaron Rodgers to another one-year deal. Skepticism is understandable, but Rodgers proved enough last season to justify Pittsburgh's belief.
He's a four-time league MVP who, at age 42, led the Steelers to their first division title since 2020. He accomplished this while playing the second half of the season with a severely injured left wrist and an underperforming group of receivers.
Building for Now and the Future
Many believe the Steelers want Rodgers back solely to end the playoff-win drought, even at the expense of the future. That's simply not true. Pittsburgh wants Rodgers back to address both its short- and long-term situation.
The real benefit is that Rodgers gives rookie third-round pick Drew Allar and pseudo-rookie Will Howard a year to learn from one of the best to ever do it. That's undoubtedly why Mike McCarthy, who took the job with full knowledge of the quarterback situation, wanted Rodgers to be part of his first team in Pittsburgh.
The Supporting Cast Matters
Critics forget the Steelers were within a score of the Texans for most of their wild-card playoff game before a defensive score changed everything. Pittsburgh's lack of offensive weaponry—not Rodgers—was the biggest reason the Steelers scored just six points.
The loss to Houston was a grim reminder that a 42-year-old quarterback cannot carry an offense alone. Tom Brady proved multiple times that a 40-something quarterback can win a Super Bowl, but they need a supporting cast. The Steelers' roster isn't perfect, but it should put Rodgers in better situations than last season.
Rodgers showed he can still be Superman in pivotal moments, like his game-winning touchdown pass against the Ravens in Week 18. That's why the Steelers want to run it back with him.
An Improved Roster
Pittsburgh possesses a considerably improved roster, especially with the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. and the draft selection of Germie Bernard. The Steelers also beefed up their backfield by signing Rico Dowdle, a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the past two years.
Perhaps most importantly, the Steelers assembled what should be their best offensive line since 2020. They drafted 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.
A Sound, Logical Decision
Bringing Rodgers back for another year isn't pushing off the inevitable or a desperate attempt to win a playoff game. It's a sound, logical decision from a franchise that clearly believes in its players, its chances of winning in 2026, and its own ability to identify, mold, and develop its eventual long-term quarterback.