Steelers' Rival Executive Drops Honest Statement On Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers spent most of the 2025 offseason trying to figure out who their starting quarterback was going to be. There was a long, drawn out saga to sign Aaron Rodgers, and the quarterback finally joined the team right before mandatory minicamp. Some people in the NFL world were confused by Pittsburgh's approach, but it was clear the organization was fairly confident that the four-time MVP would end up finalizing a deal to play in Pittsburgh. He signed a one-year contract, and many doubted the move as Rodgers had an extremely underwhelming stint with the New York Jets in the two seasons prior.

There were plenty of questions about Pittsburgh's offense going into the 2025 season as the team lost its starting running back, wide receiver, quarterback, and left tackle from the 2024 season. It was unclear how Rodgers would play in Pittsburgh, but there was some hope about his potential connection with newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf. The veteran quarterback has looked like one of the best players at the position to begin the 2025 season, and a rival executive of the Steelers recently spoke about the quarterback with Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

"Rodgers can still spin it," the rival team executive said. "He can still win at the line of scrimmage. The mobility isn’t what it was, but the Steelers help him with the running game. They’re going to keep winning games. He’s exactly what they needed there. If they can keep him upright and healthy, they’ll continue to get better."

Howe did not specify which organization the executive belonged to, but chances are, it's from within the AFC North. This proves that those around the league have been impressed, and maybe even surprised with the way Rodgers has performed in Pittsburgh so far. Rodgers is currently tied for fourth in the league when it comes to touchdown passes as he has thrown 14 through six games.

The executive noted that Rodgers is certainly not the player that he used to be, but that is to be expected. He has seemingly gotten better with each passing week as he has grown more comfortable within the offense. He has even been using his mobility more often, despite it not being as effective as his younger years.

On Rodgers' first touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, the quarterback was able to move around in the backfield before firing a touchdown into tight end Jonnu Smith. This was an impressive play, and it almost looked like vintage Rodgers. If Pittsburgh can get more of that out of the quarterback, there is no reason that the team could not find a way to go on a run, as long as the defense can get back on track.

Through six games, the quarterback has thrown for over 1,200 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He is completing nearly 69 percent of his passes, and he has been extremely efficient while operating the Steelers' offense.

Steelers' Offense Has Transformed Under Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh's offense is operating more efficiently than it has in years past, and a lot of that has to do with Rodgers. The quarterback is making the most out of his opportunities, and the run game is also working with Rodgers under center. The veteran has redeemed himself from his time with New York where the organization seemed to be full of dysfunction, and he looks like he could even come back in 2026 if he wanted to.

The matchup with the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 is a big one for Rodgers as it will be the first time he is taking on his former team. The quarterback will certainly be looking to put on a show, and it should be one of the highest-rated games of the year for the NFL.

What have you thought of Rodgers' play in 2025?