The Pittsburgh Steelers' disappointing defense has been made even more upsetting by the fact their offense has been very solid for the most part. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has found a little niche with his jumbo packages that opposing defenses have not been able to stop. On top of that, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been worlds better than what everyone saw when he was with the New York Jets. This unit seems to be consistently good and not be just a fluke. Smith's squad is moving the ball with authority.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith using his arms to direct and coach up his offense while the team works out during a 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers was supposed to be just a bridge option for the Steelers, as they look for their future quarterback in 2026. However, plans may have changed for multiple reasons. During his weekly Q&A chat, insider Brian Batko was asked about if the upcoming quarterback class would influence the Steelers' decision. Batko agreed, but spoke about other factors that played in as well.
"[The Steelers] might have no choice but to beg him to come back at this point," Batko said. "Wonder if he'd charge more than 10 M's this time. And you have to wonder if he even wants to play another season, whether his success so far factors into that, etc. He's only griped a bit about the bed bugs in training camp and the horrendous playing field last week at Acrisure, but other than that, seems to be enjoying himself."
As of now, Rodgers is set to break the franchise single-season touchdown record set by legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and he already passed him up on the all-time passing yards list. Even if his defense is having issues, he is having lots of success individually.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws to superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a win over the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 regular season.
Previously, Rodgers mentioned that 2025 would almost certainly be his last professional season. However, he has repeatedly walked that back and said that he could stick around for one more year. If Batko's report is true, the Steelers' brass could try to give him every incentive possible to keep him around for one more run. There are numerous reasons why, but either way, Pittsburgh probably does not want him to go. His success (or lack thereof) will likely determine which way the organization will go.
Steelers' Reasoning For Begging Rodgers To Stay
While the Steelers' offense looked good in stretches at times, this unit seems to be consistently good. Even with the defense struggling hard, Rodgers and Smith are making things work. This does not look like a scheme that would ultimately fall apart in December like in previous years. If that ends up being the case, what's stopping the 41-year-old from trying again one more time?
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith (right) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In college football currently, every projected top quarterback seems to be struggling at this point. On top of that, the Steelers will likely be slated to be around pick #20 once again. There will probably be no NFL-ready option available to Pittsburgh at that time. Even if the team drafts a new passer, Rodgers would make a great mentor. He can start for one more year while teaching the rookie everything he knows as he sits on the bench for his first year.
Even if they don't draft a quarterback, Rodgers could still help Will Howard develop, especially since it seems like he will lose his entire rookie season to Injured Reserve (IR). If Howard can develop, the Steelers could keep building up the rest of the team with these premium picks and let the young gun throw the rock around in 2027, when he is healthy and has more experience behind Rodgers.
What do you think about the Steelers' possibly begging Rodgers to stay? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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