Skip Bayless expressed sharp criticism of Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday’s episode of The Arena: Gridiron. He questioned the quarterback’s influence over the team and suggested the franchise has made a critical mistake.
“This is a very sad story to me — that the Steelers are being held hostage by Rodgers, because they did this to themselves,” Bayless said.
“They found themselves in a position with no more Mike Tomlin, which is going to be a problem. … He is washed. He’s done, and he’s been done since his final year in Green Bay.”
Bayless also commented on the team’s quarterback options. “I did like Will Howard when he was at – I know he was surrounded by great talent at Ohio State, but he played pretty well. They won it all. So he showed me something, and yet it’s Mason Rudolph and Will Howard and what they got, the 23rd overall. They’re going to take Ty Simpson and start him next year.”
A contrasting opinion from Josh Cribbs
While Bayless doubts Rodgers should return to Pittsburgh, former Cleveland Browns returner Josh Cribbs offered a more optimistic view.
During last week’s episode of The Top Dawgs Show, Cribbs said, “I’d be surprised if he could do it twice. … If he makes a commitment to them, I just think, ‘I’m not going to count him out.’ I counted him out last year, I said they’d be last in the league, and he pulled a rabbit out of a hat. I was like, ‘Wow, look at that. Steelers going to the playoffs. Winning season.'”
What’s next for Rodgers and the Steelers
The Steelers are set to begin their offseason workout program on April 7. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Rodgers commits for the 2026 season or if Pittsburgh moves forward with their younger quarterback options.
The debate over Rodgers‘ future continues to divide opinions. Bayless sees a washed-up MVP holding the team back, while Cribbs believes the quarterback could still deliver a surprise.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the Steelers’ decisions regarding Rodgers will shape both the team’s trajectory and league discussions about veteran quarterbacks influencing team strategy.
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