Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned for one last run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, barring a sudden decision not to retire after 2026. In what is expected to be his final season, Rodgers will be looking to prove the Steelers are still Super Bowl contenders.
However, not everyone is convinced of Pittsburgh's ability to truly compete for a title. When ESPN's Ryan Clark imagines the 2026 Steelers, he is picturing more of the same.
“The ceiling for this team is what we have been seeing for the last few years,” Clark said. “This team could be slightly above average. Aaron Rodgers could get this team to nine, ten wins. Maybe sneak into the playoffs. Nobody expects this team to compete with the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos.”
“The Steelers made the decision that they weren't going to rebuild the last two years. They weren't going to find their quarterback of the future. But this team offensively still has holes. I think they could be competitive and fight for that Wild Card. But they'll be home by the Divisional Round, thinking to themselves, ‘are we stuck in quarterback purgatory?'”
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"This team can be slightly above average. Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins or 10 wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs."
—@Realrclark25 on the expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season 🏈 pic.twitter.com/5C5rc7TYZ8
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 14, 2026
In his first year with the Steelers, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, leading the team to a 10-6 record over his 16 games. But come playoff time, Rodgers and company were promptly eliminated in the Wild Card Round.
That has been Pittsburgh's fate in each of the last three seasons. While making the playoffs is one things, the franchise wants to go on an actual run. Clark wouldn't be shocked to see the Steelers postseason bound again. But he'd be even less surprised to see them lose in the first round.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned for one last run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, barring a sudden decision not to retire after 2026. In what is expected to be his final season, Rodgers will be looking to prove the Steelers are still Super Bowl contenders. However, not everyone is convinced of Pittsburgh's ability to truly compete for a title.