Ben Roethlisberger Shares What Steelers Fans Absolutely Need To Know About Aaron Rodgers In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a very new chapter in 2026 with Mike McCarthy now leading the team as head coach. After an offseason filled with speculation, shifting timelines, and renewed questions about the franchise direction, the Steelers finally have clarity heading into what could be a defining year.

When the offseason began, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan assured Steeler Nation that the situation surrounding Aaron Rodgers would not drag on as long as it did in 2025. However, the process ultimately tested that promise. The Rodgers decision once again became a drawn-out storyline before the veteran quarterback officially confirmed he would be signing with Pittsburgh for the 2026 season. Along with that announcement came another major detail. Rodgers made it clear this upcoming season will be his final year in the NFL.

With McCarthy now back alongside Rodgers for what is expected to be a final run together, attention has turned to expectations for the upcoming season. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently addressed the situation on his podcast Footbahlin, where he shared that he believes Pittsburgh could be significantly better in 2026. He also broke down the key reasons behind his outlook for improvement as the Steelers prepare for a pivotal year.

"I just think that Aaron is going to thrive more in this offense that he knows," Roethlisberger said. "I think he will be able to bring the guys with him. I think the line will be better knowing each other, playing together, adding some additions and some subtractions. I think the additions at skill positions will be huge."

Rodgers’ first season in Pittsburgh in 2025 delivered mixed results. On paper, the Steelers finished with a 10-7 record and captured an AFC North title, a clear step forward in the regular season. However, the postseason ended in disappointment. Pittsburgh suffered a 24-point loss at home in the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans, raising questions about how far the team had actually progressed. 

Despite the playoff setback, Rodgers is set to run it back in 2026, this time with additional changes to the roster. 

"I just think that our additions were more and this is to not take anything away from our subtractions," Roethlisberger said. "I just think we had some really good additions this year and I really think it will benefit us."

The Steelers made several moves in free agency, explored trade opportunities, and added new pieces in the draft in an effort to strengthen the overall roster around their veteran quarterback and new head coach. It's clear that Roethlisberger is confident in the Steelers heading into the 2026 season.

Steelers Appear Improved On Paper

Taken together, Roethlisberger’s comments point to a Steelers roster that he believes is deeper and more balanced heading into 2026. While the spotlight continues to stay on Rodgers and what he can still deliver in his final NFL season, the former quarterback’s focus was just as much on the supporting cast around him. In his view, the improvements made across the roster could play a major role in how far Pittsburgh goes.

If those additions live up to expectations, the Steelers could find themselves in a stronger position than they were a year ago, especially after a 10-7 regular season and early playoff exit. With McCarthy now in place and Rodgers back for one last run, Pittsburgh enters 2026 with higher expectations and more pressure to turn regular-season success into a deeper postseason push.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. 

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