The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen a surprising offensive outburst in the 2025 season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been everything that he was advertised to be and then some, and he's even come without all the baggage that was circulating him through the media since around 2020. Things seem to be going right on the offensive side of the ball for Pittsburgh now. If the defense can get its act together, there is a shot that this team can finally prove that they're more than just a free playoff win in the Wild Card Round.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers warms up before playing the Cincinnati Bengals on the road during the 2025 season on Thursday Night Football in Ohio.
Rodgers' tenure in Pittsburgh may be going too well. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler spoke about how this sudden revelation has changed the mindset of the front office and the coaching staff in regard to the short- and long-term future.
"Rodgers' stint in Pittsburgh has gone so well that the team could rethink its 2026 quarterback plans," Fowler said. "The Steelers will scour the draft market for the QB of the future, for sure. They are already doing so. But if you ask people with the team whether they'd entertain the notion of Rodgers in the black-and-gold in 2026, the answer would be a resounding yes. He has maintained his elite ability to throw the football."
Why would the Steelers deal with the uncertainty of a rookie quarterback in a shockingly weak class when they could just roll with what they know works? The most influential people on the team have seen Rodgers play with their own eyes as they send scouts across the country to try and figure out which prospect has the tools to be a high-end NFL starter. The choice is obvious to them.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) ahead of a play in Dublin, Ireland during a win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of 2025.
The college component does have an impact on this as well. Nearly every single top quarterback prospect has flopped so hard that Diego Pavia has been one of the top performers, even though he has not shown a lot of ability to stretch the field with his arm. If the Steelers do draft a quarterback, the plan will most likely be to make him sit on the bench for his entire rookie season before giving him an opportunity to start.
There are many questions about how any of these top quarterbacks in college can make reads. Meanwhile, Rodgers' football IQ was the most attractive part about him, and it's a big reason why the Steelers were willing to wait until he was ready to sign last June.
Steelers Are The Perfect Spot For Aaron Rodgers
The key here is Rodgers' throwing ability, decision making, and experience, versus an unproven rookie. As Fowler said, Rodgers' arm talent is still elite. Even if Pittsburgh still tends to avoid using the middle of the field, the 41-year-old can manage that well. He has proved it multiple times, like on a dart across his body to Connor Heyward for a touchdown in Week 6, and some deep shots to DK Metcalf. If Rodgers thinks he can keep playing at a high level, Pittsburgh will likely gladly take him back.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DK Metcalf celebrates after a big play during a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on the road during the 2025 season.
On top of that, Rodgers fits the Steelers' scheme. As he has gotten older, he has done better in multi-tight end packages, as opposed to just 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers). Of course, Pittsburgh loves its tight ends, and they will not hesitate to utilize all of them. No NFL team uses that position like the Steelers do, so he likely won't have that same level of dominance anywhere else like he does here in the Steel City.
What do you think about the Steelers keeping Rodgers in 2026? Do you think it's a good idea? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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