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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) fires the ball downfield during the second half of the NFL Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are running it back with Aaron Rodgers despite the obvious ceiling that puts on the team in 2026.
With Mike McCarthy taking over from Mike Tomlin, there was a change at the top, but some wanted more. Well, they aren't getting it...yet.
Expectations for Pittsburgh are low for most, as few expect the franchise to suddenly push the AFC's elite in the playoffs.
In fact, for NFL.com's Tom Blair, he sees the Steelers missing the playoffs with an 8-9 record.
"Maybe the end of this non-losing streak -- which I have to believe was going to run out someday, no matter who was on the sideline -- gives new coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan an excuse to really shake things up in Pittsburgh for the first time in a long time," Blair wrote.
MORE: Analyst has huge faith for Lamar Jackson's Ravens in 2026
Steelers have to do better than 8-9
Pittsburgh didn't bring back Rodgers to go 8-9, I don't believe. They brought him back to go to the playoffs and possibly win a postseason game.
That will likely be the goal, but in truth, will the Steelers do that? I have my doubts.
Rodgers does have better weapons with Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman Jr. joining in the offseason, plus McCarthy and his offense, but Aaron is also another year older, and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the upcoming year.
Not many are expecting too much from Pittsburgh in 2026, and Blair's prediction perfectly reflects that.
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