The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting another chance with the 42-year-old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. However, ESPN analysts are weighing this move as one that drifts the Steelers away from a Super Bowl win. 

ESPN analysts Kevin Clark and Mina Kimes did a division-by-division breakdown of the teams that can win the Super Bowl next season.

According to them, the Steelers had a good chance of making it to the playoffs, but not to the Super Bowl. The analysts attributed the prediction to Pittsburgh's choice to start with Rodgers, who was well past his prime and "can’t move as efficiently" as before. 

The analysts further questioned how explosive the Steelers' passing game would be. They observed that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has also recorded the lowest average depth of target at WR, as Rodgers did at QB.

ESPN analysts aren’t the only ones sounding the alarm on Rodgers for the Steelers. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox also gave a reality check to the franchise.

“Rodgers was a pretty steady starter for the Steelers in 2025, though he spent the year working with a pretty modest supporting cast,” wrote Knox. “While the Steelers added a few pieces to their offense during the spring, they don’t have a unit capable of carrying the quarterback.”

Knox further added that Rodgers isn’t the “same dynamic signal-caller” that he was a few years ago. He concluded that Pittsburgh could find itself in deep water if Rodgers’ performance regresses during the 2026 season. 

Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame also identified Rodgers’ age as a concern for the Steelers, as he is susceptible to injuries. 

Amid concerns about Rodgers’ age, speed, and injuries, an NFL insider named Rodgers among those QBs who need a Super Bowl win the most.

Rodgers Needs One More Ring, Per NFL Insider

With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports classified Rodgers as a signal-caller who needs to win the Super Bowl. In his analysis of the top 15 QBs who need a Super Bowl win, DeArdo ranked Rodgers in 6th place. 

“Rodgers also cemented his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time,” wrote DeArdo. “A second Super Bowl win, however, would put him in even more rarified air.”

DeArdo added the win would put the veteran in the same league as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the only starting QBs who won Super Bowls with multiple franchises. Rodgers would also join Brady as the only starting QB to win a Super Bowl after 40 years of age. 

In his debut with the Steelers in 2025, Rodgers, who entered the NFL in 2005, registered 3,322 passing yards and 25 total touchdowns against seven interceptions. 

DeArdo concluded by saying that Rodgers would easily feature in the list of the top five QBs in NFL history if the four-time MVP wins in what appears to be his “last season” in the league.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit