As polarizing as Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 return to the Pittsburgh Steelers has been received by fans, the veteran quarterback offers stability at arguably the most important position in all of sports — which the Steel City hasn’t had since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season.
On social media, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly brought to light that the 2026 season will mark the first time since Roethlisberger that the Steelers are expected to have the same Week 1 starting quarterback in back-to-back seasons.
It will be the first time (barring injury) that the same QB started Week 1 for the Steelers since 2021.
2020/21 — Roethlisberger
2022 — Trubisky
2023 — Pickett
2024 — Fields
2025/26 — Rodgers— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 18, 2026
To say that the Steelers lacked solidarity at the quarterback position between Roethlisberger and Rodgers would be an understatement, as the Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson experiments failed to maintain momentum in consecutive seasons.
Love him or hate him, Rodgers proved in 2025 that he still has plenty of fuel left in the gas tank and offers the Steelers’ loaded roster its best chance to compete this upcoming season.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers set to end bizarre QB trend with Aaron Rodgers in 2026