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Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
For most, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback (we think) Aaron Rodgers is well past it and could, in fact, hinder the offense if he returns in 2026.
Last season, he threw for 3,322 yards, 24 TDS, and just seven interceptions, while having a completion percentage of 65.7, the highest since 2022.
The thought of Rodgers returning certainly gives fans some hope of winning enough games to make a push for the playoffs, but not of actually contending.
And while the outside perception of Rodgers has changed, an anonymous defensive coordinator highlighted what makes Rodgers so dangerous despite his age.
“His arm strength is still like it was 10 years ago—he can still throw it,” a defensive coordinator told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. “His movement is what’s left him a little bit. He can still maneuver in the pocket, but he can’t get away the way he used to. His arm strength is what it always was. The difference is back in the day, you’d worry about him scrambling, getting out and creating explosive [plays]. Now he can’t do that, and he doesn’t want to get hit.
“But he can still [expletive] throw it.”
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Is Rodgers return worth it?
It depends on who you ask.
There's no denying that Rodgers on the roster elevates the Steelers' floor in 2026. But how much is up for debate.
Without him, the Steelers will likely only win four or five games with Will Howard or Mason Rudolph, but might get a high draft pick to get their next franchise quarterback.
So, what transpires over the coming weeks will be interesting, but one thing about Rodgers that still scares defenses is his arm.
Is that enough? Likely not.
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