As the Pittsburgh Steelers' starter for the 2026 season, Aaron Rodgers is viewed as a quarterback whose peak performance is behind him. NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms ranks him as the 26th best quarterback in the NFL, expressing concerns about Rodgers’ play style, particularly his reluctance to make aggressive throws despite still having the arm to do so. This marks a significant drop from his previous roles, given that he was once regarded as the top quarterback in the league. Simms highlights NFL dynamics, ranking only a few teams below the Steelers in terms of quarterback situations, attributing Rodgers' low ranking to the offensive strategies used last season.

By the Numbers
  • Rodgers ranked 26th in Simms' countdown, down from 1st in 2018.
  • In 2025, his average of 6.7 yards per attempt was the worst of his starting career, ranking 27th in the league.
State of Play
  • Steelers added new receivers, including Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard, to enhance the deep passing game.
  • Simms questions the effectiveness of current offensive strategies prioritizing quick releases over downfield plays.
What's Next

With new offensive weapons and a potential shift in strategy, there’s an opportunity for Rodgers to improve his performance and prove his ranking wrong this season. The Steelers' approach under Mike McCarthy may aim to optimize Rodgers' strengths more effectively.

Bottom Line

Despite being rated 26th, the Steelers maintain confidence in Rodgers’ abilities. Future success will largely depend on the offensive adjustments made and whether Rodgers can adapt his style to capitalize on improved talent surrounding him.