Aaron Rodgers is officially returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the 42-year-old quarterback mulled retirement, he’s back for one more season. With so many QBs from the 2000s and 2010s already hanging up the cleats, the four-time NFL MVP brings about the end of an era.
Rodgers’ return isn’t only consequential for Steelers fans but for NFL fans as a collective group. What does the final ride look like for one of the NFL’s all-time greats?
Rodgers signed with the Steelers ahead of the 2025 season, following a disappointing two-year run with the New York Jets. He started in 16 games, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Pittsburgh won the AFC North by the skin of its teeth with a 10-7 record.
Rodgers had a completion percentage of 65.7, his highest since 2021. He did, however, throw the ball 498 times, his lowest since 2017. These numbers are, of course, not including the 2023 season. He had torn his ACL on the opening drive of his first game.
The Steelers’ offense relied heavily on running the ball and short passes in 2025. They understood Rodgers isn’t the QB he once was, but he can still lead an offense better than most.
While they awaited Rodgers’ decision on whether to return, the Steelers made improvements to the roster. They traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signed cornerback Jamel Dean and running back Rico Dowdle.
Pittsburgh also made improvements in the NFL Draft. They selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and wide receiver Germie Bernard in the first two rounds. Both of those picks addressed positions of need, along with several other holes being filled.
The biggest change for the Steelers in 2026 was their head coach change. They mutually parted ways with 19-year head coach Mike Tomlin and subsequently hired Mike McCarthy. A change was needed, but it wasn’t the most dazzling move they could’ve made.
The Steelers have two young quarterbacks on the roster right now. Second-year QB Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar. Neither of them has been overwhelmingly considered the future of the franchise, but they each have their own potential.
Rodgers brings familiarity at an uncertain time for Pittsburgh. He and McCarthy were together for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. They won Super Bowl XLV in 2011 and captured magic during their time together.
Not only does Rodgers bring familiarity, but he also brings veteran experience. He’s the most experienced active player in the NFL, with 21 seasons behind him. He’s already served as a mentor for Howard last year; now he adds Allar to the class.
Out of all the Steelers’ options, Rodgers is the safest bet. They don’t have to push Howard or Allar onto the field, and they believe they’re still in a window to compete. Their roster is one of the oldest in the NFL, and a rebuild is right around the corner. For now, the all-in approach continues.
The Steelers’ strength of schedule in 2026 ranks 14th in the NFL. They’re in the middle of the pack, which seems fitting considering their history. They’ve gone 10-7 in each of the last three years and have not exceeded 10 wins since 2020.
It’s become a joke at this point; Pittsburgh barely breaks a .500 record and doesn’t make it past the Wild Card round. The last time they advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs was the 2017 season.
It’s hard to imagine the Steelers bucking the trend this year. Despite making improvements, they’re still in the AFC North. If Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson stay healthy, the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will be troublesome.
Not only do the Steelers have a tough division, but the rest of the schedule is also challenging. They’ll face the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans throughout the year.
Rodgers will likely put up similar numbers to last year, if not slightly better, with the addition of Pittman. I think the most realistic outcome is another 10-win season, but it’s not impossible to see them win 12.
After announcing that this year is officially it, Rodgers may leave everything on the table. Last year, he said he was most likely finished, but now seems enthusiastic for a reunion with McCarthy. It’ll be an entertaining ride, but retiring with another ring seems like a storybook ending that won’t come.
Rodgers’ retirement has been speculated for several years, and it seems it’s finally here. The future Hall of Famer is leaving it all on the line one more time, but it likely won’t be enough. Despite that, fans should enjoy A-Rod’s last dance before our childhood ends.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
