Many thought 2025 would be the final year in the storied career of Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP said he expected it to be his last season when he signed a one-year deal last June before leading the Steelers to their first AFC North title since 2020, throwing 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions as Pittsburgh finished the year 10-7.

The Steelers fell to the Houston Texans 30-6 in the wild card round, and Rodgers had arguably his worse game of the year, going 17-of-33 for 146 yards, an interception, and a QBR of just 14.9. For this performance, as well as a more conservative play style, PFF ranked Rodgers as the No. 22 quarterback in the NFL ahead of the 2026 season. He is ranked one spot ahead of Daniel Jones and one spot behind Kyler Murray.

Advertisement

“Father Time has caught up with the 42-year-old — he earned just a 68.0 PFF overall grade last year, the worst mark of his career,” Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman write. “His 38.1 PFF passing grade under pressure ranked sixth-worst among qualifying quarterbacks.  He has become far more conservative than at any point in his career, as his 6.6-yard average depth of target was a career low and ranked fourth-lowest in the league. Rodgers will try to recapture the magic one final time in 2026, but his best days are clearly behind him.”

The Steelers added Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard this offseason via trade and the NFL Draft, respectively. Those additions should open the passing game more for Rodgers and lead to a higher success rate through the air, which, in turn, will see him rise of rankings like this.

Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!