The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait for an answer from 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But based on hiring Mike McCarthy and his type of offense, one thing is certain: the offense is set up well for Rodgers at this point in his career.
If Rodgers returns for 2026, the offense might be better suited for him than it was last year under former coordinator Arthur Smith. At least, that’s how ESPN’s Mina Kimes sees things. Appearing on NFL Live earlier this week, Kimes discussed why she believes this year’s offense is better for Rodgers than last year’s.
“Yeah, I think this offense is really optimized for this version of Aaron Rodgers, 2026 Aaron Rodgers. You know that you’re gonna see two things: quick game and a lot of it, and then they’re gonna wanna run the football,” Kimes said of the Steelers’ offense, according to video YouTube. “Starting with quick game, I think the receiver additions in particular, Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard, who they drafted out out of Alabama, will be really helpful in that regard because we know that Aaron Rodgers wants to throw the ball fast and he doesn’t typically push the ball downfield very much.”
The quick game was a key staple of the Steelers’ offense last season, largely due to Rodgers.
At this stage of his career, he wants to avoid as many hits as possible. He wants to play fast, release the football quickly, and give his receivers a chance to make plays after the catch.
With DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers don’t exactly have two dynamic YAC receivers. But they are reliable, physical weapons who catch the football.
Having McCarthy designing the offense and calling the plays could help Rodgers push the ball down the field more, though. The offensive line looks pretty solid on paper, even with undetermined left tackle and left guard positions.
The Steelers’ offense should thrive though in the run game, where it all starts under McCarthy. The Steelers’ offseason moves signal that they want to focus on that. They signed Rico Dowdle to replace Kenneth Gainwell and drafted Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker.
“This was actually a very efficient rushing attack last year. They were fourth in success rate league-wide, and they made some additions. I think that’ll continue, Kimes added. “Signing Rico Dowdle, who’s an underrated free agent back and then adding depth on the offensive line, Max Iheanachor, who they drafted gives him tackle depth out of ASU; Gennings Dunker as well.
“So I do think that should Aaron Rodgers decide to come back, he steps into an offense that is better than the one that he was in last season.”
While the Steelers had some success offensively last season, improving specifically in the red zone, everything felt difficult when the Steelers had the football. With McCarthy’s track record of success, things should be different in 2026.
It will start with the 1-2 punch of Dowdle and Jaylen Warren behind a stout offensive line. Rodgers should thrive in the quick game, and should have more time and comfort holding onto the football and pushing the ball down the field behind the offensive line this year.
It’s set up well for him if he wants to play. He just has to make a decision — and soon.
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