NFL/NBA Analyst Stephen A. Smith has been critical of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization for quite some time. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old, and he is coming back to the team on a one-year deal worth $25 million.
USATSI 27992586 168422142 lowres 1
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) scrambles during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Rodgers last season completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Does he have anything left in the tank for the Steelers this season? Pittsburgh finished with a 10-7 record last season in the NFL. They won the AFC North, but lost to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round last season.
NFL Analyst Stephen A. Smith Questions Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Brought Aaron Rodgers Back This Season
USATSI 27992221 168422142 lowres 1
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) scrambles from Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Stephen A. talked about on First Take about the Steelers bringing back Rodgers next season. He thinks its organizational malpractice that the Steelers are bringing him back next season. Smith said, “When are you gonna be ready to move on as an organization?” The other three quarterbacks on the roster at the moment are Will Howard, Drew Allar, and Mason Rudolph. It will be interesting to see which quarterback is not going to be on the roster by the time the start of the 2026 NFL season rolls around?
Well, Rodgers gets to reunite with Mike McCarthy for at least a year. They were both together on the Green Bay Packers. Had Pittsburgh not brought back Rodgers, there would have been a solid chance they would be tanking for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft also.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!