Former Steeler Charlie Batch says Aaron Rodgers is poised for a huge 2026 after reuniting with Mike McCarthy, praising McCarthy’s offensive plan and noting the Steelers can stay a Lombardi threat as the AFC North champs.
When the confirmation came that Aaron Rodgers would be re-joining the squad for 2026, it didn’t just land as offseason news. It landed as momentum—especially for Charlie Batch.
Batch, the former Steeler, caught up shortly after the move was confirmed and made it clear he believes Rodgers is headed for something bigger than what he showed in 2025. Rodgers “proved he’s still got it in 2025,” Batch said, but the expectation now is that 2026 will unlock another gear.
The reason, in Batch’s view, is the offense Rodgers is about to walk back into.
Rodgers is running it back with Mike McCarthy in 2026. a head coach with whom he won a Super Bowl 15 years ago when they were both with the Green Bay Packers. Batch didn’t sound cautious about the fit. He framed McCarthy’s offense like something Rodgers has already mastered—calling it. in his words. “a PhD in this offense” and emphasizing that Rodgers has “a PhD in McCarthy’s offense.”.
There was also the practical question fans always ask after a quarterback changes gears: does he have to play catch-up with his teammates?. Batch said he isn’t worried about that part. He pointed to Rodgers learning his NFL future after figuring out what was next. and he underscored that Rodgers won two of his four MVPs with McCarthy at the helm.
Batch tied the confidence to what it could mean for the team around him, too. When asked what the expectation is for the Black and Gold this campaign. Batch said it’s the same as always: being a real threat for a Lombardi Trophy. Since the Steelers are the reigning AFC North champs. he also sees them as the team to beat in the division.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Batch pointed to new help on offense. He highlighted Michael Pittman as part of what makes the upgrade feel real as Rodgers prepares for what Batch described as “one last ride.”
For Batch, the storyline isn’t just Rodgers returning to familiarity—it’s the combination of experience, scheme, and fresh support coming together right when the stakes are highest.
Charlie Batch Aaron Rodgers Mike McCarthy Green Bay Packers Steelers AFC North Lombardi Trophy Michael Pittman NFL offseason 2026 season