Steelers Face Tough Decision on Aging QB Rodgers

Concerning stats reveal Rodgers may be past his prime, raising questions about the team's future at quarterback.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Steelers' team colors of black, gold, and white, conceptually representing the complex factors the team must weigh in determining their quarterback situation.As the Steelers face a pivotal decision on their aging quarterback, the team's future direction hangs in the balance.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are weighing whether to bring back 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers for another season or turn the reins over to young backup Will Howard. Analyst Warren Sharp revealed concerning stats about Rodgers' declining performance in 2025, including the shortest average depth of target, fastest time to throw, lowest deep pass rate, and highest rate of throws behind the line of scrimmage. These factors contributed to the Steelers' struggles, including ranking last in success rate, 27th in third-down conversions, and 28th in three-and-outs. The team trailed in 14 of 17 games and was routed in the Wild Card playoff round. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy praised Howard's potential, but noted the young QB needs to improve his pocket passing to thrive in the NFL.

Why it matters

The Steelers face a critical decision on their quarterback position, with the legendary Rodgers potentially nearing the end of his career. The team must weigh Rodgers' pedigree and experience against the concerning statistical trends that suggest he may no longer be an elite QB. Developing Howard as the future could be the better long-term play, but comes with risk. This decision will shape the Steelers' trajectory for years to come.

The details

According to analyst Warren Sharp, Rodgers had the shortest average depth of target (6.0 yards) in the NFL last season, the fastest time to throw (2.52 seconds), the lowest deep pass rate (26%), and the highest rate of throws behind the line of scrimmage (32%). These factors contributed to the Steelers ranking last in success rate, 27th in third-down conversions, and 28th in three-and-outs. The team trailed in 14 of 17 regular season games and was routed 30-9 in the Wild Card playoff round by the Houston Texans.

  • Rodgers will turn 43 years old next season.
  • Rodgers went 10-6 as the Steelers' starting QB in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old quarterback who has been the Steelers' starter for the past season.

Will Howard

The Steelers' young backup quarterback who coach Mike McCarthy believes has significant potential, though he needs to improve his pocket passing skills.

Cam Heyward

The Steelers' All-Pro defensive tackle who has expressed confidence in Howard being able to take over as the team's starting QB if Rodgers retires.

Mike McCarthy

The Steelers' head coach who has praised Howard's potential but noted the young QB needs to improve his pocket passing to thrive in the NFL.

Warren Sharp

A football analyst who revealed the concerning statistical trends about Rodgers' declining performance in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Aaron's been a big fan of Will [Howard]. … Obviously everybody wants Aaron back, but if you do go in a direction where you have Will, you feel pretty confident.”

— Cam Heyward, Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle

“The biggest thing with Will, and it's probably consistent with young quarterbacks, you got to win from the pocket. At the end of the day, nine or 10 games a year are going to come down to the two-minute drill. That's what the stats tell you. That's the way we train. So his ability to win from the pocket because I think he has everything else.”

— Mike McCarthy, Steelers head coach

What’s next

The Steelers will need to make a decision on whether to re-sign Rodgers or turn the team over to Howard before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Steelers face a critical juncture at the quarterback position, with the legendary Rodgers potentially nearing the end of his career and concerning statistical trends raising questions about his ability to lead the team. Developing the younger Howard may be the better long-term play, but comes with risk. This decision will shape the franchise's trajectory for years to come.