Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Had To Overcome Multiple Problems Thrown His Way In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the bold choice to wait for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to sign with the team once again in 2026. The Steelers brass knew that Rodgers still had plenty in the tank and continued the trend of signing veteran, Band-Aid signal-callers. Rodgers led the team to an AFC North title and surprised many with how spry he still looked. Now, after a similar, but quicker situation compared to 2025, the Black and Gold have their quarterback for this upcoming campaign. This time, it's with a brand new head coach, but a familiar one.

After Mike Tomlin stepped down from the team, the front office considered several coaches to take the reins. The Steelers have always wanted to be a competitive squad and have resisted a rebuild over the last few seasons. To keep the winning tradition going, they signed someone homegrown in Mike McCarthy. He'll bring an offensive-minded approach to the team, something the Steelers haven't had in several decades. Along with that, Rodgers will reunite with the coach he won two of his four MVPs with in Green Bay. 

This season will be different for Rodgers. He'll have a familiar scheme and improved weapons around him. There were a lot of odds stacked against him last season, but he still led Pittsburgh to a playoff berth, and he's looking to do so again. Many hindrances around him should've put him in a position to be somewhat ineffective; however, he rose above and put together impressive numbers he should replicate and/or improve on. 

CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo outlined the issues that Rodgers fought off in 2025 in an article for the publication. 

"Rodgers' numbers last season were impressive when you consider the situation. He was playing on a new team and learning a new offense. He had an underwhelming receiving corps and played the final six games of the season with a fractured left wrist. Despite those obstacles, Rodgers threw more than three times as many touchdowns (24) than interceptions (seven) while having his highest completion percentage since 2021. Barring injury, Rodgers is in line to have a better season. He's had a year under his belt in Pittsburgh, is playing in a familiar offense, and has a better supporting cast around him. He also still has his legendary throwing touch," DeArdo wrote.

The offense lacked reliable weapons last season. However, Rodgers continued to extend plays and take over games. The 42-year-old put up solid numbers and played through a big wrist injury. With all of these factors playing against him, he did what he has always done: win. 

Rodgers had to deal with a receiving corps that was headlined by star DK Metcalf, who had an underwhelming year by his standards and faced a two-game suspension toward the end of the year. Besides him, the receiver with the most receptions on the team was a running back. Between a clear shortage in receiving talent and a lack of complementary football with a middle-of-the-road run game, Rodgers still won some big games. 

This Year Will Be Different For The Steelers

Rodgers has been set up with a much better situation than in 2025. The front office made an effort to get the gunslinger some more talented pass-catchers, including the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., and the highly-touted rookie Germie Bernard. The offensive line will have another year to gel, and his head coach will benefit him in terms of scheming and play-calling. 

Rodgers will have more tools at his disposal this go-around. The team has been set up to have a more high-powered offense and is taking a step in the right direction in terms of roster construction. His numbers were stellar with some issues around him; now he'll have a chance to be even better in 2026. 

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