Aaron Rodgers is undeniably one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play the game, but according to one of sports media’s most prominent voices, his current impact falls far short of his legendary reputation.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers grapple with their direction under center, their apparent attachment to the veteran has drawn sharp criticism.
Why Aaron Rodgers’ Decline With the Steelers Is Baffling Analysts
During a recent segment on ESPN’s “Get Up,” legendary broadcaster Mike Wilbon did not hold back, blasting the organization’s continued pursuit of the four-time MVP as a fruitless endeavor.
For a franchise known for its stability and shrewd decision-making, the pairing leaves analysts and fans alike scratching their heads.
Wilbon’s frustration with the narrative surrounding Rodgers was palpable. Pointing to the stark reality of the quarterback’s twilight years, he questioned the media and the Steelers’ enduring fascination with a player whose best days are clearly behind him.
“The question is why anybody gives a damn,” Wilbon stated emphatically. “Aaron Rodgers is not LeBron James. He’s going to the Hall of Fame, he has earned every accolade he’s got. He’s got a truly distinguished Hall of Fame career. It’s over in terms of winning in the National Football League.”
The crux of Wilbon’s argument centers on the stark misalignment between the Steelers’ historic standard of excellence and their current offensive strategy. Pittsburgh has long been a model of NFL consistency, building through the draft and making pragmatic personnel choices.
Wilbon highlighted this legacy, stating, “What is a franchise that has historically made the soundest decisions? If you point to franchises over the past 50 years, you’re going to have the Steelers, the 49ers, obviously the Patriots.”
To see a blue-chip organization supposedly anchored to an aging star completely baffles the veteran analyst.
“Aaron Rodgers is NOT LeBron James. … Is he going to be the quarterback? Who cares.”@realMikeWilbon discusses Aaron Rodgers possibly returning for another season with the Steelers 🏈 pic.twitter.com/teTS3Xn3Wx
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 29, 2026
“The Steelers are tied, really? So they are tied to him? What are they doing?” Wilbon asked.
He concluded his critique by dismissing the value of Rodgers’ current presence on the roster, adding, “The continued obsession with Aaron Rodgers is laughable in terms of winning. Is he going to be their quarterback? Who cares? Not LeBron James. Not Tom Brady. It doesn’t matter.”
Advanced analytics completely validate Wilbon’s harsh assessment of the veteran’s recent play. According to PFSN’s Quarterback Impact (QBi) Metric, which evaluates passing and rushing efficiency alongside high-leverage and clutch performance, Rodgers grades out rather poorly.
For the 2025 season, Rodgers had a QBi score of just 71.4, earning him a meager C-. More damningly, that score placed him at an abysmal 29th overall in the season rankings, barely clinging to viability as a starter in a 32-team league.
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While Rodgers’ gold jacket is likely already waiting for him in Canton, his current production simply does not align with the outsized attention he commands.
As the Steelers look to the future, Wilbon’s biting questions remain highly relevant. If Pittsburgh wants to return to the summit of the NFL, it may need to shed its infatuation with the ghosts of Rodgers’ past and chart a fresh, bold course for its offense.
