NFL Exec Poll Places Aaron Rodgers in ‘Tier 3’ Quarterback Ranking
Aaron Rodgers has spent two decades defying time, critics, and the odds. His four MVP trophies, a Super Bowl ring, and countless highlight-reel throws have made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in NFL history. But as the 2025 season looms, the talks around league offices have grown less flattering. In private conversations with NFL coaches and executives, there’s a new consensus forming that Rodgers may no longer belong among the game’s elite.
That verdict became official in The Athletic’s annual quarterback tiers poll, where 50 league insiders, from general managers to coordinators, ranked the veteran passers heading into the season. When the votes were tallied, Rodgers’ name landed shockingly low: 16th overall, a full nine spots lower than last year, placing him in the dreaded Tier 3. For a quarterback who has spent most of his career as a fixture in Tier 1, the drop is as jarring as it is telling.
From Green Bay Icon to Pittsburgh’s Latest Gamble
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Rodgers’ latest chapter begins in Pittsburgh, where he signed after stints with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. His single season with the Jets in 2024 was statistically solid despite a disappointing 5-12 record and a porous offensive line that allowed 40 sacks, ninth-most in the league. He still threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
But according to league insiders, his ability to dominate week after week, even in adverse situations, is no longer as sharp as it once was. Pittsburgh’s decision to bring Rodgers aboard is both a short-term gamble and a statement.
The Steelers are banking on the idea that his leadership, experience, and situational excellence can elevate a roster with playoff aspirations. For Rodgers, this move is potentially the final chapter. On the “Pat McAfee Show,” he revealed that 2025 will “likely” be his last season. That admission adds a layer of urgency to every snap he’ll take in the black and gold.
The Ranking Reality Check
Being in Tier 3 still places Rodgers among respected company. Kyler Murray sits one spot ahead at No. 15, with Tua Tagovailoa just behind at No. 17. Other Tier 3 names include Trevor Lawrence, Geno Smith, and Bo Nix. However, it’s a far cry from the Tier 2 class that features emerging stars like C.J. Stroud and established leaders like Justin Herbert and Jared Goff.
According to The Athletic’s criteria, the difference between the two tiers is consistency in carrying a team and excelling in pure-passing situations. Rodgers’ slide in the rankings is related to how NFL front offices now view the demands of the position.
Mobility, adaptability, and durability are at a premium, and while Rodgers’ football IQ remains elite, evaluators see more limitations in his game than they did even a year ago. That perception is difficult to reverse, but not impossible.
Motivation and the Steelers’ Stakes
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If history has shown anything, it’s that Rodgers thrives when doubted. Some of his best seasons have come after offseasons filled with questions about his decline.
In Pittsburgh, he will be able to work behind a rebuilt offensive line, alongside a running game anchored by Najee Harris and an emerging defense capable of taking over games. That formula aligns perfectly with the Tier 3 definition: a quarterback who can win with strong complementary football.
For head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, the hope is that Rodgers’ veteran presence will accelerate the development of younger offensive weapons and stabilize the quarterback position for a postseason run. Anything less than a playoff berth could mark a disappointing end to one of the NFL’s most storied careers.