Aaron Rodgers' return to Pittsburgh was expected to strengthen the Steelers ahead of the 2026 season, but ESPN analyst Seth Walder believes the quarterback position remains the team's biggest concern.

ESPN's Seth Walder graded the Steelers' 2026 offseason a C+ and questioned whether Rodgers can elevate Pittsburgh into contention, arguing that the quarterback remains the team's biggest question mark.

"Pittsburgh Steelers: C+," Walder wrote. "... Move I disliked: Trading for Michael Pittman. ...There is strength to this roster, but the reason the Steelers are a long shot to contend for the AFC crown in 2026 is their quarterback." 

According to Seth Walder of ESPN, in an article published on June 30, expanding on his grade, Walder argued that Pittsburgh's ceiling this season will ultimately depend on its quarterback play.

Walder also expressed doubt that Rodgers could rediscover the level of play that once made him one of the league's elite quarterbacks.

"The chances," he added, "that he comes close to his previous level of greatness are very slim." 

After signing a one-year, $22.5 million deal with Pittsburgh, Rodgers helped the Steelers finish 10-6 in 2025. He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 16 starts, though Walder believes those numbers are unlikely to translate into championship contention.

While Walder questioned the quarterback situation, he praised several of Pittsburgh's other offseason moves. He noted the team's three-year, $36.75 million deal for CB Jamel Dean as well.

The additions of safety Jaquan Brisker and CB Asante Samuel Jr. added more depth to the secondary, while Nick Herbig signed a $100 million extension with the team. 

Even with those additions, Walder maintained that Pittsburgh's outlook will ultimately hinge on Rodgers.

Walder isn't alone in questioning Pittsburgh's outlook, with NFL analyst Nate Tice expressing similar concerns.

Nate Tice sees Aaron Rodgers as Pittsburgh’s biggest question

According to NFL analyst Nate Tice, speaking on the NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal podcast, he also believes Pittsburgh's biggest uncertainty entering the season remains under center.

"It's the quarterback, man. It's the quarterback," Tice said. "That's what's holding me back. I think most people don't think that's the thing that's limiting it."

Tice believes Rodgers can still play well, but with the quarterback turning 43 this season, he feels Rodgers could either hold the Steelers back or help them make a deeper run under McCarthy.

As training camp approaches, Rodgers will have the opportunity to answer the concerns raised by both Walder and Tice, with Pittsburgh's hopes of contending likely resting on whether the veteran quarterback can still perform at a high level.

Do you think Aaron Rodgers can lead the Pittsburgh Steelers into the playoffs? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Rudra Dubey