Steelers’ New Offensive Scheme Must Unlock Aaron Rodgers In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their trend of utilizing veteran quarterbacks as Band-Aids at the position when they signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year contract in 2025. He proved he could remain effective, leading the team to a division title and a home playoff berth. However, Pittsburgh has yet to get over the hump and win a playoff game since 2017. The front office decided to run it back with Rodgers, figuring he gives them the best chance to win. This time, it's with a new head coach, Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' old coach during his time in Green Bay. 

McCarthy will bring an offense-driven approach to the Steelers, something that the team hasn't had in decades. Now that the two will be reunited, the expectations for the offense are much higher. Last season, the big plays were lacking, and the unit often struggled to find a rhythm. With the front office's additions on offense and a familiar head coach, Rodgers and the Steelers' offense should be primed for a much better year. 

Rodgers' success with McCarthy resulted in two MVPs and a Lombardi Trophy. The tandem had some huge moments together and had tremendous success. Pro Football Focus' Daire Carragher points out however, that McCarthy's scheme in Green Bay didn't necessarily help Rodgers. The benefit was that Rodgers could extend plays and make changes at the line of scrimmage on his own. McCarthy's scheme in Pittsburgh will have to really help out the 42-year-old signal-caller. 

"McCarthy’s success was often framed as a byproduct of having one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Green Bay’s offensive system was rarely credited as the engine behind the franchise’s sustained success. Instead, McCarthy was frequently viewed as benefiting from Rodgers’ brilliance more than shaping it," Carragher wrote. "That perception was understandable to a degree. Rodgers built his reputation on pre-snap adjustments, off-script improvisation, and impossible downfield throws. Some of the defining moments of his career — Hail Mary completions and scramble-drill highlights — felt detached from the scheme entirely."

McCarthy's play-calling was not always why the Packers had success. Rodgers is known for his backyard football plays, and his ability to extend situations. Now that he is in the final year of his career, Rodgers doesn't have the same mobility. In 2025, he utilized the short passing game a ton, and Steelers running backs benefited from that. However, with the new weapons the team invested in, the offense needs to utilize the middle of the field and make more explosive plays. This can only come if McCarthy can adjust his scheme to benefit the aging quarterback. 

This will have to happen by McCarthy understanding what Rodgers' true weaknesses are at this stage of his career. The "quarterback guru" in McCarthy understands Rodgers though. He's the perfect coach to get the most out of him, but now he won't have the same Rodgers. 2025's offense was underwhelming, using a ton of screens and dump-offs. Now that the receiver corps has improved, Rodgers will have some more capable players to throw to. 

What Could The Steelers' Offense Look Like In 2026?

How could McCarthy actually make this happen? Well, now that the Steelers have plenty of weapons with a variety of skill sets, McCarthy can open up the passing game. By using plenty of motions and exposing favorable matchups, the Steelers' receivers should be able to get open more often. Short and intermediate route concepts will help Rodgers gain a rhythm, and DK Metcalf is always primed for a big play and could have a huge year. 

Another way is through an improved run game. Pittsburgh has two very good running backs, and getting opposing safeties to bite down will only help receivers get open on play-action. Rodgers is very good off the play-action, and that could make the offense more capable of chunk plays. One thing is for sure: the roster has improved; now it's up to the quarterback and coach to be on the same page. 

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