Steelers need a reality check before committing to Aaron Rodgers again

Heading into the 2025 season, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers sounded like a guy who would be playing his final season. After two decades in the NFL, four MVP trophies, and a Super Bowl title against the team he now calls his own, it wasn't a shock that he was viewing this season as his going-out party, so to speak.

An AFC North title and solid overall season later, and things seemingly have changed.

Even before he helped Pittsburgh take down the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 to earn a playoff berth, Rodgers went out of his way to talk about being on a 1-year deal and having options should he want to play in 2026. Take that however you want, but it sure didn't sound like he is committed to hanging up his cleats.

The ball then seems to be in the Steelers' court, and according to a recent report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, they seem prepared to allow him to start again in 2026.

While I think it's reasonable at this moment for Pittsburgh to want to keep Rodgers in place for another season, showing interest in doing so before we see him in a playoff environment is a dangerous game that could get them burned.

Pittsburgh Steelers should wait to see which version of Aaron Rodgers shows up against Texans before deciding his future

Rodgers has displayed flashes of his old self on several occasions this season, with both Ravens' matchups and games against the Dolphins, Lions, and the Jets standing out. He still has the arm talent that made him one of the most dynamic QBs of the 21st century, and he can still get out of the pocket at times and find receivers down the field.

The problem is that the flashes of brilliance have been inconsistent at best, and he has had several stretches where any amount of pressure immediately kills the play. At 42 years old, I don't think anyone is expecting him to take unnecessary hits or extend plays constantly. Still, the offense is always at risk of crumbling if the offensive line doesn't have at least an above-average day.

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In a playoff game against a Texans team boasting the league's most explosive pass-rushing duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, there are plenty of reasons to be wary of Rodgers' ability to move the offense with his limitations.

If those fears come to light, especially if the line does a solid job protecting him, signing up for another year of that potential anchor on the offense could be a nightmare.

If the Steelers are serious about maximizing the window they have with an aging defense, running it back with an even older Rodgers at QB isn't going to cut it. Another solution with more upside may be hard to find, but it's what Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin get paid the big bucks to figure out.