Aaron Rodgers dropped to 22nd in Pro Football Focus' 2026 quarterback rankings on July 2, 2026, as the veteran signal‑caller entered what he calls his last NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why did PFF rank Rodgers 22nd?
PFF analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman pointed to a 68.0 overall grade last season – the lowest of Rodgers’ career. Under pressure his passing grade fell to 38.1, the sixth‑worst among qualifying starters. The numbers suggest a quarterback who no longer commands the same poise he once displayed.
How did Rodgers perform in 2025?
Despite the low grade, Rodgers helped Pittsburgh clinch the AFC North with a 10‑7 record. He tossed 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions, a respectable ratio. The playoff run ended in a Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, where he managed 146 yards and one interception before the Steelers fell.
What does the ranking say about his future?
Chadwick and Wasserman noted Rodgers’ average depth of target dropped to 6.6 yards, the fourth‑lowest league‑wide. That conservative approach mirrors a shift in his play‑calling, favoring short, high‑percentage throws over deep attempts. At 42, he is the league’s oldest active quarterback, a status once shared only by Tom Brady, who retired at 45.
Can the Steelers’ changes help Rodgers rebound?
Pittsburgh bolstered its offense with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr., rookie Germie Bernard, and upgrades to the offensive line. Reuniting with head coach Mike McCarthy – the man who guided Rodgers to multiple championships in Green Bay – may give the veteran a familiar framework. Rodgers described the system as an evolution of the West Coast offense, emphasizing timing routes that echo Bill Walsh’s principles.
What are the expectations for the 2026 season?
The Steelers plan to lean on running backs Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren while keeping Rodgers at the helm. Fans and analysts will watch to see if the veteran can defy the PFF verdict and prove that his best days are not yet behind him. The upcoming preseason will be the first real test of whether the 22nd‑place ranking holds any weight.
Key stats: 22nd overall rank, 68.0 PFF grade, 38.1 pressure grade, 6.6‑yard average depth of target, 10‑7 record, 24 TDs, 7 INTs, 146 yards in Wild Card loss.
Quotes: "Father Time has caught up with the 42‑year‑old," wrote Chadwick. "He will try to recapture the magic one final time in 2026, but his best days are clearly behind him," added Wasserman.
The debate is open. Will Rodgers silence the critics and finish his career on a high note, or will the ranking prove prophetic? The Steelers’ offseason moves suggest they believe he still has something to offer.
What does this mean for the NFL landscape?
If Rodgers can elevate his play, it could reshape expectations for veteran quarterbacks past 40. Conversely, a continued decline may reinforce the notion that age inevitably erodes elite performance. Either outcome will ripple through draft strategies and contract negotiations league‑wide.
The story is still unfolding, and every snap this season will add a new chapter to Aaron Rodgers’ storied career.