Aaron Rodgers is on pace for his best season since his last MVP campaign (2021), as the combination of improved health and better surroundings have helped to revitalize his final act.

By no means has Rodgers resembled anything close to his prime form, but he at least has an opportunity to excuse much of the New York Jets chapter from his late-career arc. The 41-year-old quarterback has helped the Steelers build a first-place cushion in a suddenly fragile AFC North despite an up-and-down performance from Pittsburgh’s defense.

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“Rodgers can still spin it,” a rival team executive said. “He can still win at the line of scrimmage. The mobility isn’t what it was, but the Steelers help him with the running game. They’re going to keep winning games. He’s exactly what they needed there. If they can keep him upright and healthy, they’ll continue to get better.”

Rodgers has completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 1,270 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions over six starts. He’s on his way to his best year since that 2021 MVP season with the Green Bay Packers, also the last time Rodgers advanced to the playoffs.

A major factor, predictably, has been the added time to recover from the torn Achilles. Even upon Rodgers’ return from the injury in 2024, coaches and executives were skeptical of his ability to recapture prior magic.