The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally found clarity at the quarterback position, officially signing veteran Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback for 2025. After months filled with speculation, rumors, and unanswered questions about who would lead the offense, the Steelers put an end to the uncertainty by securing one of the most well-known names in the NFL. However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, skepticism still lingers among fans and analysts alike. Some question whether Rodgers, now in the later stage of his career, can still perform at an elite level, while others are concerned about how he’ll fit into a new system and culture in Pittsburgh.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers making a throw during 2025 mandatory minicamp with DK Metcalf in the background.
It’s not all criticism and doubt surrounding Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh, as many people see plenty of positives in the move and recognize the potential upside of having someone as experienced and talented as Rodgers leading the offense. Among those expressing optimism is former NFL quarterback and analyst Phil Simms, who recently discussed the situation on an episode of his podcast, Simms Complete. Simms praised Rodgers for staying in excellent physical shape and expressed confidence that the veteran quarterback still has a lot left in the tank.
"I can say here, and I think I'm 100% right, [Rodgers] is in the best shape and changed his body a little bit to fit really who he is," Simms said.
Simms continued the conversation by addressing Rodgers' Achilles injury, which unfortunately kept him sidelined for just about the entire 2023 NFL season. He went on to praise Rodgers for his legendary arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, both are qualities that have made him one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history. Simms expressed confidence that he will have a major impact on Pittsburgh’s offense this season.
"You have an Achilles injury, like he had, it takes time for everything to come back 100%," Simms said. "At the end of the year, he was throwing the football. That arm, they need to cut it off and put it in some museum or whatever. If he's given the opportunities, man, I think he'll come through big time."
Rodgers’ injury remains a significant concern for some fans, especially when factoring in his age. At 41 years old, Rodgers currently holds the title of the oldest active player in the NFL, which naturally raises questions about durability and long-term performance. Achilles injuries can be especially difficult to come back from, and at his age, the recovery process can be even more demanding.
Danielle Parhizkaran / USA Today
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers during his time with the Jets.
However, there were encouraging signs of progress late last season, when Rodgers began showing signs of bouncing back both physically and mentally. It’s also widely known in the sports world that the second full season after a major injury is often when athletes truly return to their pre-injury form. Many believe that with Rodgers' recovery and extra motivation this season, he is poised to make a full comeback and prove that he still has plenty left to offer.
The Steelers' Future Is Not Rodgers
The contract that Rodgers signed with the Steelers is a one-year deal, which clearly shows that he is not the Steelers long-term solution at the quarterback position. While his presence brings a lot of excitement and experience to the roster, the length of the contract reflects a mutual understanding that this is short-term. At his age, Rodgers is undoubtedly nearing the final stages of his legendary career.
It’s very likely that Rodgers is aiming to end his remarkable career on a high note, especially after experiencing a couple of disappointing seasons with the New York Jets. Joining the Steelers offers him a fresh opportunity to make a strong final impression and potentially lead a playoff-caliber team one last time. From the Steelers' perspective, Rodgers fits perfectly into their current needs, they’re not just bringing in a veteran presence, but also securing a “bridge quarterback” who can keep the team competitive in the short term.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw as the team works out during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
This allows the Steelers to remain competitive while buying time to identify and develop their next long-term franchise quarterback. In fact, there have already been multiple reports suggesting that the organization is keeping a close eye on the promising quarterback prospects in next year’s NFL Draft. By having Rodgers leading the offense for now, the Steelers can stay competitive in a tough AFC while setting the stage for the next era of Steelers football.
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