Jacob Punturi, Steelers analyst for Sports Illustrated, recently discussed the worst Steelers contracts, per him, this season. Among them is veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, whose one-year deal is worth $22.5 million. He has already declared his intention to retire after this season.

Punturi questioned whether Rodgers' age, recent production, and cap hit justify one of the larger contracts on Pittsburgh's roster.

"Speaking of Rodgers, the Steelers ponied up and gave him a sizable raise for 2026... It's hard to rationalize how a 42-year-old QB has the third-highest salary cap hit on the team," Punturi wrote.

The debate grew after Rodgers’ salary jumped from $13.65 million last season to $22.5 million this year.

Rodgers' 2025 season numbers added more questions about the deal. He finished with 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 94.8 passer rating, not his elite numbers

After all, Rodgers is preparing for his 22nd season in the NFL, has been a Super Bowl champion and MVP in the 2010 season, and is a 10-time Pro Bowler.

Rodgers' recent production has led some analysts, including Punturi, to question whether the contract provides sufficient value for Pittsburgh.

He also averaged 207.6 passing yards per game with a 42.9% success rate, making some people question if the Steelers are getting enough from the contract.

However, questions around Rodgers are not the only concern. Some analysts doubt whether the Steelers can repeat their 2025 success.

For critics of the deal, the concern isn't simply Rodgers' age. It's whether his recent production still matches the financial commitment Pittsburgh made for what could be the final season of his career.

Can Aaron Rodgers Justify His Contract After Playoff Loss?

The Steelers finished the 2025 season with a 10-7 record and won the AFC North, but their playoff run ended with a 30-6 Wild Card loss, leading to major changes, including a new head coach.

Despite the changes, sports analyst Skip Bayless remains doubtful about the team’s chances during an appearance on the show The Arena: Gridiron.

He believes the Steelers benefited from luck last season and does not expect Aaron Rodgers and the team to repeat the same success again. 

“They stumbled into the back door of the playoffs thanks to a missed 40-yard field goal by the Baltimore Ravens," Bayless said. "Then they lost at home 30-6 to your Super Bowl pick…and I don’t think they’re doing that.” 

Bayless’ comments add pressure on Rodgers and the Steelers to prove last season was not just luck. The team now needs better results against a stronger AFC North. 

With analysts already questioning whether his $22.5 million cap hit is justified, Rodgers enters the season facing pressure to show he can still perform at a level that matches Pittsburgh's investment.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Rudra Dubey