Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Falls to Tier 3 in NFL Quarterback Rankings

Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, has experienced a notable decline in his quarterback rankings, dropping from Tier 2 to Tier 3 in The Athletic's latest poll of 50 NFL coaches and executives. Now with the Pittsburgh Steelers for what he has indicated may be his final season, Rodgers is ranked 16th overall, reflecting concerns about his reduced mobility following a torn Achilles injury and the lack of strong receiving options around him. Despite a solid 2024 season with the New York Jets, where he threw for nearly 3,900 yards and 28 touchdowns, Rodgers is viewed as a legitimate starter who needs a strong running game and defense to succeed. Coaches highlighted the Steelers’ current receiving corps as a weakness, contrasting it with the talented route runners Rodgers previously had, and noted that while he can still deliver accurate throws, his ability to extend plays outside the pocket has diminished. The Steelers and Rodgers are hopeful he can still be an effective quarterback in head coach Arthur Smith’s system, using play-action and designed rollouts to mitigate his reduced mobility. Overall, Rodgers remains respected but is no longer considered among the NFL's elite quarterbacks, with expectations tempered as he approaches 42 years old.