Pittsburgh Steelers finally put an end to years’ worth of quarterback questions after latest decision from Aaron Rodgers
The time has finally come. The Pittsburgh Steelers have an answer to who will be their starting quarterback in 2026, and clarity has finally arrived in Pittsburgh.
For the last two offseasons, there has been one question that has dominated headlines regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers: Who is going to be the starting quarterback? It took until June for Aaron Rodgers to make his final decision last year.
Well, the 2026 offseason was supposed to be different. The Steelers initially expected a decision from Rodgers 30 days after their season ended against the Houston Texans. Then, the decision was expected before free agency and finally, the NFL Draft. Well, all of those landmarks came and went, and still there was silence from Rodgers.
Until now.
Aaron Rodgers 2025 stats
- 3.4 TD to INT ratio.
- 3,322 passing yards.
- 65.7% completion percentage.
Steelers re-sign Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth $25 million
Despite all the rumors and speculation, it always felt like the most likely outcome for Rodgers was a return to Pittsburgh. Retirement loomed large. Mike Tomlin’s decision to step away from the Steelers all but ended any chances of Rodgers’ return, as Art Rooney went as far as to say that Rodgers was only there because of Tomlin.
Well, insert another Mike, his coach for 13 years in Green Bay, Mike McCarthy as Tomlin’s replacement, and that changed things. There were rumors of the Broncos and the Cardinals in recent weeks, but it felt like Steelers or bust once McCarthy was named head coach. Now the question is, will it be Super Bowl or bust in Pittsburgh?
Can the Steelers truly contend for a title in 2026 now that Aaron Rodgers is back?
If we’re being honest, Aaron Rodgers was a force multiplier in 2025. That offense wouldn’t have been as efficient as it was with any other Steelers quarterback from the post Big-Ben era, and it was proven when Mason Rudolph started against the Bears.
Now, Rodgers returns, with an offensive-minded head coach who is eager to prove he can win in his hometown, and he takes over an offense that he once quarterbacked to a Super Bowl title.
The talent on said offense is much better. The belief is that the offensive line will be more sound, and the Steelers added Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, and Rico Dowdle to add to the weapons alongside DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington.
On paper, the team should be better. On paper, it’s a ride off into the sunset season. But the Steelers will once again be one of the oldest teams in the league, captained by the oldest player in the league. Health and durability will be the biggest question, but if the Steelers can answer it, they may hoist Lombardi No. 7.