Aaron Rodgers will start as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 season, leading Mike Tomlin’s team as they seek their first deep playoff run since Big Ben Roethlisberger’s era. Rodgers’ arrival has raised hopes among fans, but it has also sparked debate about the Steelers’ long-term quarterback situation.
Analysis of Aaron Rodgers’ role and future in Pittsburgh
As the most prominent figure on Pittsburgh’s roster, Aaron Rodgers will enter his 21st NFL season with the Steelers in 2025, marking the third franchise in his career. The four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer aims to make one last playoff push and potentially finish his career with a Super Bowl win at Levi’s Stadium. Rodgers brings experience and talent to a team eager to regain postseason success.
Alongside Rodgers, the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart includes veterans Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Rudolph, who played six seasons with Pittsburgh before a recent one-year stint with the Tennessee Titans, provides a reliable backup option. Thompson is a newer addition, competing for the role of third quarterback in the lineup.
The rookie quarterback on the roster, Will Howard, was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft from Notre Dame. Howard’s rookie season will focus on gaining knowledge behind Rodgers, with hopes he could challenge for the starting position in 2026.
Ryan Clark’s stance on the Steelers’ quarterback future
Despite optimism about Rodgers’ immediate impact, former Steelers safety and NFL analyst Ryan Clark expressed concerns about the team’s long-term quarterback outlook during an appearance on Green Light with Chris Long. Clark acknowledged Rodgers’ potential to lead the team to around ten wins next season but warned about the season after.
“I think Aaron Rodgers will play well. I genuinely do, and I think the team will be good, like a ten win team.”
—Ryan Clark, NFL analyst
Clark argued that the Steelers will still be searching for a quarterback beyond 2025 and called for bold action moving forward.
“And guess what? Next year, they’ll still be looking for a quarterback. I said it on TV and people got mad at me. We need to be atrocious. They need to be awful. And so to me the only answer is, with the picks you have, you sell the farm to get the guy.”
—Ryan Clark, NFL analyst
This perspective stems from the fact that Rodgers has suggested the 2025 season may be his last, which would leave the Steelers with a significant void at quarterback for the 2026 campaign.
Options for Pittsburgh’s quarterback prospects beyond 2025
Fortunately, the 2026 NFL draft class is regarded as strong in quarterback talent, with names like Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, and Drew Allar expected to be available. The Steelers might consider trading future picks or existing assets to acquire a high draft selection, aiming to secure a franchise quarterback to succeed Rodgers.
This strategy would represent a significant shift, potentially involving trading various draft picks and assets—what Clark refers to as “selling the farm”—to address the critical position decisively.
Implications for the Steelers’ long-term success
While Aaron Rodgers offers a credible chance for the Steelers to improve immediately and contend next season, his probable retirement after 2025 creates urgency for the organization to find a lasting quarterback solution. Ryan Clark’s call for aggressive rebuilding highlights the tension between short-term competitiveness and long-term planning.
The Steelers will need to balance mentoring rookie Will Howard, maximizing Rodgers’ final season, and potentially making major moves in the 2026 draft to ensure the quarterback role is stabilized. Their actions in the coming months and draft periods could determine whether Pittsburgh remains competitive in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era or faces continued instability under center.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers friends?
A. NFL STATS CENTRAL provides current NFL scores, schedules, odds, and stats. Over time, Rodgers and Brady developed a “friendship.” Both enjoy the Kentucky Derby and would attend it, often sitting at tables next to each other with their friends.
Q. What did Peyton Manning say about Aaron Rodgers?
A. “I’m thrilled for Aaron,” Manning mentioned. “It’s a great chance for him. Experience is invaluable, and Aaron’s guidance will greatly benefit the receivers. The entire team must contribute too.”
Q. Why does Aaron Rodgers not speak with family?
A. In the documentary, he mentioned that during high school, he started moving away from his parents’ beliefs. Around then, he stopped feeling close to his family, except for his younger brother, Jordan Rodgers. He said, “I wasn’t extremely close with everyone in the family.”
Q. Why did Aaron Rodgers not hug?
A. Rodgers explained the situation, saying the awkward moment came from a mix-up about how Saleh usually greets people. Saleh isn’t known for giving hugs. Rodgers didn’t realize Saleh was attempting to hug because Saleh often favors the two-hand chest push instead.