Steelers Legend Jerome Bettis Weighs In on Aaron Rodgers, NFL Draft

Bettis believes Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh, but sees opportunity for young players to step up.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:06pm

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis shared his thoughts on the team's quarterback situation, including veteran Aaron Rodgers and the upcoming NFL Draft. Bettis believes Rodgers will likely return to the Steelers for another season, but sees it as an opportunity for the team's younger players to get more reps and experience running the offense. Bettis also discussed the need for the Steelers to address other positions like running back, receiver, and the offensive line to support whomever is under center.

Why it matters

The Steelers have had consistent quarterback play for two decades, but that has come at the expense of other positions on the roster. With Rodgers' future uncertain, the team needs to use the draft to bolster the supporting cast around the quarterback, whether it's Rodgers or a younger option.

The details

The Steelers brought in 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers last season to help salvage a couple years of mediocre quarterback play. Despite Rodgers' advanced age, he helped the team return to the playoffs as Mike Tomlin finished above .500 again. However, Rodgers remains a free agent and is playing the waiting game on his future. Bettis believes Rodgers will likely return to Pittsburgh for a 22nd NFL season, but sees it as an opportunity for the team's younger players to get more reps and experience running the offense.

  • The Steelers brought in Aaron Rodgers prior to the 2026 season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 41-year-old quarterback who the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in last season to help salvage a couple years of mediocre quarterback play.

Jerome Bettis

A former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and NFL legend who is now sharing his thoughts on the team's quarterback situation and upcoming draft needs.

Mike Tomlin

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has consistently led the team to winning records.

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What they’re saying

“'When you have no alternative, then you have no choice. And I think there's some players that are afforded a little bit more latitude than others, and Aaron Rodgers is one of them, especially when you are limited from a quarterback perspective, in terms of depth and experience, right?'”

— Jerome Bettis, Former Steelers Running Back

“'There is an opportunity for our number two guy to get a lot of reps, a lot of opportunity, right? So there's some positives to this, because you're letting the young guys get an opportunity to run the offense and kind of learn the offense as they go.'”

— Jerome Bettis, Former Steelers Running Back

“'They have let the other pieces deteriorate in the sense of, the running game struggled, the receivers struggled. So, they've got to do a lot to help the quarterback. And, I mean, get the receivers, get the offensive line help, get the running back position figured out. They gotta do some things before you get to the quarterback, because right now, the other pieces aren't good enough.'”

— Jerome Bettis, Former Steelers Running Back

What’s next

The Steelers will look to address their roster needs, including at quarterback, running back, receiver, and offensive line, in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Steelers have relied on consistent quarterback play for two decades, but that has come at the expense of other positions on the roster. With uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers' future, the team needs to use the upcoming draft to bolster the supporting cast around whomever is under center, whether it's Rodgers or a younger option.