“Stuck in quarterback purgatory”: Analyst drops blunt Aaron Rodgers and Steelers assessment

Jul 17, 2026, 7:31 PM CUT

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Aaron Rodgers, 42, may give the Steelers stability at quarterback in 2026, but not everyone believes he solves their biggest problem. ESPN analyst Ryan Clark argued Pittsburgh could be delaying its search for a long-term answer by relying on the veteran QB.

Speaking on NFL on ESPN, Clark said Rodgers can keep Pittsburgh competitive, though he's not sure that solves the bigger problem at quarterback.

"I think they can be competitive; I think they can fight," said Clark, "Be the second or third team in the AFC North, fight for their wildcard, but again will be home for the divisional round, thinking to themselves, are we stuck in quarterback purgatory? Is our next guy in the draft in 2027?"

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Clark stated Rodgers raises Pittsburgh's floor in the short term but does little to solve the franchise's long-term quarterback question, as per NFL on ESPN's X post.

"This team can be slightly above average," said Clark," Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins and ten wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs, or you are fighting for a wildcard. Nobody expects this team to compete with the New England Patriots or Buffalo Bills or the Denver Broncos, some of the top rosters in the AFC."

Independent projections also reflect those concerns. According to Pro Football Mania, the Steelers rank 10th in the AFC and 18th overall, with quarterback stability remaining one of the roster's weakest areas.

Beyond concerns about Rodgers' long-term fit, former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell believes the veteran also needs to change one aspect of his leadership.

Le'Veon Bell wants accountability in Rodgers' game

Former Steelers running back Bell believes Rodgers must show greater accountability when things go wrong instead of appearing indifferent after mistakes. For Bell, those habits only reinforce the concerns surrounding Rodgers' ability to lead Pittsburgh beyond the short term.

"I'm telling you, Aaron Rodgers can't be just nonchalant, bro," said Bell, according to Brett Blizinski of Steelers Nation. "And not caring about, 'I know the tight end was supposed to run an out, he ran an in. We'll turn around and fix it next week.' No, fix it this week, stop saying the same things, fix it now."

Those concerns only add to Clark's broader argument that Rodgers may stabilize Pittsburgh in the short term without solving its long-term quarterback dilemma.

Bell's criticism echoes a familiar narrative surrounding Rodgers, who has previously drawn scrutiny for publicly calling out teammates after mistakes.

Even with an improved supporting cast that includes DK Metcalf and a reunion with Mike McCarthy, Rodgers enters the season facing questions over whether he can do more than keep Pittsburgh competitive.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Rudra Dubey