Aaron Rodgers is back with the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season, but not everyone is convinced he'll improve the team's outlook. Despite leading Pittsburgh to an AFC North title and a 10-7 finish in 2025, one NFL analyst ranked him near the bottom of the league's quarterbacks.

On a recent episode of the NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal podcast, analyst Jon Ledyard placed the four-time MVP at 31st on his quarterback rankings, putting him ahead of just one player. Explaining his decision, Ledyard stated:

"Aaron Rodgers 31st. Yeah. It feels right. That's about the range for him,” Ledyard said. “Obviously, we have two backups, three backups ahead of him... You still have a couple plays in you, yeah, sure,...but consistently, sustainably good quarterback play? No. And he's also making more mistakes with the football." 

Ledyard argued that while Rodgers can still produce occasional flashes, he no longer provides consistently reliable quarterback play, per the NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal podcast on YouTube @NFLDailyWithGreggRosenthal.

Ledyard also questioned Rodgers' ability to handle pressure consistently, pointing to increased mistakes and declining mobility.

With questions mounting over Rodgers' ability to handle the physical toll, many have suggested that retirement may be the more sensible path forward.

Ledyard wasn't the only analyst questioning Pittsburgh's decision, as ESPN's Seth Walder also expressed doubts about the team's direction at quarterback.

ESPN analyst says Steelers had better quarterback options

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a huge move by re-signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year, $22.5 million contract. With new head coach Mike McCarthy taking over, the Steelers are leaning on experience and familiar leadership to chase a championship.

However, ESPN analyst Seth Walder gave the Steelers a mediocre C+ grade for their offseason. 

Walder believes the 2026 Steelers will struggle to win the AFC because Rodgers is no longer in his prime. He pointed out that it has been five years since Rodgers played at an elite, MVP level.

Instead of playing it safe with an older veteran, Walder argued that Pittsburgh should have targeted a younger quarterback with higher athletic potential. 

“I understand the impulse to re-sign Rodgers and maintain a higher floor," Walder wrote. "But there was at least one realistic quarterback option who I felt was clearly superior... Malik Willis, who comes with incredible upside,”  

He suggested Malik Willis or Kyler Murray as much better options for the future.

However, the team kept Rodgers for immediate stability but also drafted rookie Drew Allar in the third round to develop for the future. 

What do you think about Aaron Rodgers' performance in the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey