The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended with a thud Monday night, falling 30-6 to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. Less than 24 hours later, head coach Mike Tomlin informed the organization he was stepping down. This decision immediately shifted attention to what comes next for a franchise entering a rare moment of transition.
Why Is the Debate Intensifing Over Aaron Rodgers’ Future As the Steelers Enter a New Chapter?
Following the announcement of Tomlin’s departure, the conversation quickly shifted to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and whether he should return for a second season in Pittsburgh.
The scrutiny intensified after Rodgers delivered one of the worst postseason performances by any quarterback in the modern era. Analyst Nate Tice highlighted the statistical severity of the outing.
“There have been 283 instances where an NFL QB had 20+ pass attempts in a playoff game since 2013, per @TruMediaSports,” Tice wrote. “Aaron Rodgers’ game tonight against the Texans ranks 283rd in dropback success rate (21.2 percent) and EPA per dropback (-.76).”
There have been 283 instances where an NFL QB had 20+ pass attempts in a playoff game since 2013, per @TruMediaSports.
Aaron Rodgers’ game tonight against the Texans ranks 283rd in dropback success rate (21.2%) and EPA per dropback (-.76).
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) January 13, 2026
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio was among the first to suggest that Tomlin’s exit significantly alters the quarterback’s outlook.
“With Mike Tomlin gone, a return to Pittsburgh by QB Aaron Rodgers becomes less likely,” Florio said.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared a similar assessment, noting that the coaching change complicates any path toward a second season with Rodgers.
“With Mike Tomlin stepping away from the Steelers, it makes it less likely that Aaron Rodgers will be back,” Rapoport said.
From our breaking news segment: With Mike Tomlin stepping away from the #Steelers, it makes it less likely that Aaron Rodgers will be back. pic.twitter.com/JN0sKFODVM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2026
Some analysts were far more direct. Marcus Mosher questioned why the Steelers would even consider running it back after a season that produced little offensive rhythm.
“It would be laugable (sic) if Pittsburgh brought [Rodgers] back next season,” Mosher said.
Steelers Depot offered a detailed critique, arguing that while Rodgers’ lone season in Pittsburgh generated headlines, it did not justify another year of investment.
“Was it fun covering Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh in 2025? Sure. That said, there is no reason to run it back with him,” the outlet wrote on X. “Team needs to explore Malik Willis price (got to be careful there with sample size) if they are not going to draft a QB in first. And really there are just two I think are worth doing that for and both likely going in top two or three picks.”
Pro Football Wire pointed to Rodgers’ declining play and questioned whether the quarterback himself would even want to continue at this stage of his career.
“I think Troy Aikman is right here, Rodgers is a shell of his former self, and even though the NFL is short on QBs, his level of play will not be acceptable to himself,” the outlet wrote. “Now the question is will he disappear into a cave or be seen next year on TV? My bet is his ego cannot stand not being seen and heard.”
I think Troy Aikman is right here, Rodgers is a shell of his former self and even though the #NFL is short on QBs, his level of play won’t be acceptable to himself. Now the question is will he disappear into a cave or be seen next year on TV? My bet is his ego can’t stand not… pic.twitter.com/v9vCGmXTs1
— ProFootballWire (@PFBWire) January 13, 2026
The Steelers have not yet commented publicly on Rodgers’ status for 2026, and the quarterback has remained relatively quiet since the season-ending loss. But with Tomlin gone and outside voices growing louder, the debate over whether Pittsburgh should move on from Rodgers appears to be only just beginning.
