Source + player page
Behind the Steel Curtain fantasy football takes on Aaron Rodgers
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Behind the Steel Curtain about Aaron Rodgers.
28
Insights
12
Positive
6
Negative
Insight ledger
All Behind the Steel Curtain insights about Aaron Rodgers
NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Another missed game by Metcalf and Pittman would mean less time for Rodgers and Pittsburgh's new receiving corps to develop chemistry in live-game situations. Rodgers did not play in the preseason opener, so continued absences of key receivers would further limit his preseason reps with the revamped wide receiver room.NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Aaron Rodgers did not play in the Steelers' preseason game against Green Bay. The Steelers roster includes four quarterbacks on the 90-man roster, with Rodgers as the starter and Mason Rudolph as the clear backup.NegativeRoleAug 13, 2026
Rodgers, in his announced final NFL season (2026), expressed disappointment that the Steelers' preseason matchup against the Packers will be played in Pittsburgh rather than at Lambeau Field. According to Matt Schneidman, Rodgers said he was 'really hoping' for a Lambeau game and admitted he was 'bummed out' when learning it would not happen. Rodgers wanted to play at Lambeau, visit his former trainer's room, dine at his favorite restaurant Chives, and play nine holes at Green Bay Country Club. The timing is significant given this is potentially his final opportunity to return to the stadium where he spent his first 18 seasons, won four MVP awards, a Super Bowl, and established himself as one of the greatest players in Packers franchise history.NegativeProjectionAug 11, 2026
Despite throwing for 3,322 yards last season and an improved receiver room with the additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie second-round pick Germie Bernard, Aaron Rodgers' passing yards line is set at a modest 3,050.5, suggesting a conservative projection relative to recent production and roster upgrades.NegativeRoleAug 10, 2026
The Steelers are running it back with Aaron Rodgers under center for the 2026 season. Aaron Rodgers notes that whether this is viewed positively or negatively is subjective, but Rodgers' presence means the season will be evaluated through the lens of player development and offensive line progression.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Mike Tomlin highlighted Rodgers as McCarthy's quarterback with whom he has shared Super Bowl success; Tomlin emphasized that "there's no substitute for shared success" and "those waters run deep," suggesting the continuity and chemistry between McCarthy and Rodgers positions McCarthy well for success with the Steelers despite the new situation.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Rodgers was operating on a different level during practice, showcasing impressive layered throws over defenders in the middle of the field and peppering DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson with targets all practice long; the veteran was feeling himself and could be seen hitting signature fist pump emotes after some throws.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Quarterback hit Roman Wilson for a long touchdown in team period (called back due to penalty on DK Metcalf away from the play).PositiveDepth ChartAug 6, 2026
Aaron Rodgers is listed as the top quarterback on the Steelers' first released depth chart, ahead of Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Rodgers is the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback tasked with ending the franchise's playoff drought; the Steelers haven't won a playoff game since 2016, a trend Rodgers and new head coach Mike McCarthy hope to change. His presence is central to the team's Super Bowl aspirations, though ESPN reportedly hopes the Steelers don't reach Super Bowl LXI due to Rodgers' well-documented tension with the network stemming from his criticism of ESPN's coverage decisions and his past conflict with ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.NegativeProjectionAug 4, 2026
Rodgers' final season with the Steelers is expected to be entertaining and competitive; he appears loose and engaged heading into the 2026 NFL regular season, suggesting he won't fade quietly despite his age and injury history.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
During a Pat McAfee Show appearance at Steelers training camp, Rodgers publicly criticized NFL reporter Dianna Russini over a scandal involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, raising concerns about potential tampering, leaks, and conflicts of interest given Russini's roles as an MVP voter and Coach of the Year voter. Rodgers stated: "You have literally an individual that maybe used to work at ESPN, that covers our league at the highest level. And there's a major scandal. And it's just like nobody can f—king talk about it?… if it's effecting certain things, if there's leaks going on, if there's tampering going on. If that person is also an MVP voter and a Coach of the Year voter… that's real life…"PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Rodgers is dialed in through nearly a full week of practices after a rocky offensive season last year. He has connected with DK Metcalf on four passes, including a one-handed grab over Jamel Dean and multiple chunk plays down the sideline. His connection with Pat Freiermuth has also been strong, with a touchdown on Saturday and another big gain during team period.NegativeInjuryAug 3, 2026
Aaron Rodgers revealed at training camp that he was dealing with flu-like symptoms during the Steelers' playoff loss to the Texans in January 2026, per Michael Silver of The Athletic. The illness may have impacted his performance in that AFC Wild Card game.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Rodgers reunites with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh for 2026 after working together in Green Bay from 2006–2018. McCarthy helped develop Rodgers as an NFL quarterback and benefited from Rodgers at his peak in the early 2010s, when Rodgers may have been the best pure thrower of the football ever seen. Rodgers said he considered retirement but decided to do one more year after McCarthy was hired, signaling commitment to the Steelers' turnaround from recent mediocre seasons.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Four-time MVP quarterback and DK Metcalf are completely in sync in team drills, dominating with multiple completions at all levels of the field; Rodgers has also demonstrated his elite arm talent by threading the needle on multiple occasions, including a 25-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth in the end zone.PositiveProjectionAug 1, 2026
Rodgers has looked dialed in throughout the first week of training camp with arm talent and vision still near the top of the league. He dominated in team drills with DK Metcalf, hit Roman Wilson on a 45-50 yard deep shot over the middle, and won the first two-minute drill with a bullet touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth down the seam. His comfort and fluidity within the offense suggest this could be a memorable swan song for the four-time MVP if the performance carries into September.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Rodgers is receiving increased under-center reps per his explicit request; McCarthy is granting his wish to operate more from under center this season, signaling a meaningful offensive scheme adjustment that aligns with Rodgers' preferred play-calling style and could enhance his fantasy relevance.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Aaron Rodgers has returned for his second season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, which he has confirmed will be his final season in the NFL. He is the starting quarterback for a team that won 10 games last year but faces a FanDuel Sportsbook projection of 7.5 wins for 2026 under new head coach Mike McCarthy.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
QB1 and DK Metcalf are showing improved chemistry in Year 2 together, looking far better than they did at this time last year. Rodgers connected with Metcalf multiple times for chunk plays over the middle and a long sideline pass, capping the first two-minute drill with a TD. The source emphasizes that Rodgers' arm talent remains sharp and his sync with Metcalf will be critical to the offense taking a step forward.NegativeProjectionJul 29, 2026
Rodgers had a slow first practice with the first-team offense, failing to score during a two-minute drill opportunity and being held scoreless in red zone shots at the end of practice. He was throwing early and often underneath to Roman Wilson but the pair had a miscommunication downfield; Rodgers and rookie receiver Germie Bernard also seemed to not be on the same page. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted Rodgers would be on a pitch count this week in preparation for fully padded practices, with emphasis on ironing out miscommunications between Rodgers and his receivers.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Rodgers participated in team drills and had a nice tight-window throw to Pat Freiermuth; he also threw passes to Pittman and Metcalf that were broken up by Asante Samuel Jr., and had a pass intended for Darnell Washington in the end zone that was tipped and picked off by Brandin Echols.PositiveProjectionJul 28, 2026
Aaron Rodgers returned to Pittsburgh for a second consecutive season after leading the Steelers to an AFC North title in 2025 with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Though he initially intended 2025 to be his final NFL season, the hiring of Mike McCarthy influenced his decision to return for 2026. Rodgers made clear that 2026 will definitively be his final season, with 'zero debate' on the matter.NegativeProjectionJul 23, 2026
Rodgers' 2025 season showed he could still lead a team to the playoffs and make some bonkers throws, but his diminishing creativity as a passer and quick time to throw have been one of the biggest factors in why the Steelers are still widely considered a member of the league's middle class; a reunion with McCarthy, better receiver play, and maybe an improved offensive line could help him look more like the four-time MVP of old.PositiveDepth ChartJul 22, 2026
Confirmed as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback for the 2026 season, establishing the depth chart context for the backup QB competition behind him.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led a team retreat to Wyoming with several teammates including DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman, Pat Freiermuth, Ben Skowronek, Mason Rudolph, and Roman Wilson, demonstrating leadership and team-building activity. Rodgers has also recently reconciled with his family after being estranged for over a decade, posting photos with his mother Darla, father Ed, and brother Luke with the caption 'Another bonding week,' suggesting improved personal stability.NegativeProjectionJul 22, 2026
Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum proclaimed there is no chance Aaron Rodgers is taking the Steelers to the Super Bowl, asserting the Steelers are the third-best team in the AFC North despite winning 10 games for the third consecutive year and winning the division in 2025.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
With Mike McCarthy taking over as Pittsburgh's head coach, he is expected to place emphasis on protecting veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. McCormick's continued development as a starting left guard would be a welcome sign for the Steelers offensive line, as McCarthy's scheme prioritizes quarterback protection and McCormick's late-season pass-blocking work (81.0 PFF mark) aligns with those priorities.