Mike Tomlin's Exit From The Steelers Now Opens The Door For Aaron Rodgers To Shine

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the move to sign a two-decade veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers in June of 2025. The four-time MVP led Pittsburgh to a home playoff game and an AFC North division title in his first season. He took his time reaching a deal with the Black and Gold in 2025, and 2026 is seemingly going the same, though he is flying to Pittsburgh for potential negotiations this weekend. There weren't many options at quarterback for the front office, and they'll play the waiting game again to hopefully land the future Hall of Famer. 

Rodgers wasn't the typical gunslinger he's known for being in former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense. A lot of the play calls resulted in many dink-and-dunks and screens that didn't push the ball downfield. The middle of the field was barely utilized and didn't open up a ton of opportunities for the Steelers' weapons to make splash plays. With a bounty of new weapons in place via trade, free agency, and the draft, Rodgers will have much more to work with in 2026. 

Another factor that could help him out is his reunion with his old head coach, Mike McCarthy. Rodgers is very familiar with McCarthy's system, and it's quarterback-friendly. The pass-first offense will benefit the team as a whole, making chunk plays possible. Former Steelers signal-caller Charlie Batch appeared on 93.7 The Fan and spoke about how Rodgers' numbers could see a big increase in 2026, compared to 2025 and the last coaching staff. 

"When you look just from last year, he did all of that without a number two receiver. They didn't give him that last year. Aaron, in this system, his numbers will be better because he's very familiar with Mike McCarthy's system," Batch said. 

Rodgers started 16 games in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, while throwing only seven interceptions. He kept the Steelers in games because of his decision-making, accuracy, and limiting turnovers. His 1.4% interception percentage in 2025 was in the upper echelon of the league, and his percentage all-time (1.4% too) is the NFL's all-time record. Keeping the ball on offense for longer stretches will help the overall flow of the game. Something the Steelers did not do in 2025. A lot of three-and-outs led to the defense often being gassed. 

Now, the playbook can open up for Rodgers with his new weapons. Pittsburgh traded for Michael Pittman Jr. with the Indianapolis Colts. Pittman will be able to run more of the intermediate routes and make things easier for big-play threat DK Metcalf. The two stars will be aided by 2026 second-round pick Germie Bernard. A worthy investment in a slot receiver, another thing Rodgers lacked on offense last year. Receivers who can get open will ultimately help Rodgers use his arm more and rely less on dump-offs.

The Steelers' New Offensive Scheme Will Fit The Rodgers Mold

McCarthy and Rodgers won a Super Bowl together, and the veteran signal-caller won two MVPs in the McCarthy offense. The two being so close will only help get this offense going. In 2025, Rodgers released the ball in 2.56 seconds after the snap, among the fastest in the NFL. While this works well for an aging quarterback, it really limits the offense. A lot of the quick throws were by design, though, and under the McCarthy offense, there could be more chances for Rodgers to hold onto the ball a little longer. 

Hopefully, with a new scheme, quarterback-friendly coaching, and a haul of new weapons, the Steelers' offense won't be as below average as in 2025. Rodgers' numbers will look to improve in 2026, after a clear plan to make sure there isn't a repeat of a boring offensive gameplay. Rodgers has some unfinished business in the Steel City. 

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