Skip Bayless has claimed the Pittsburgh Steelers have put themselves in a difficult position, suggesting they are now being “held hostage” by Aaron Rodgers.
The criticism reflects growing uncertainty around the Steelers’ quarterback situation and how their offseason decisions have shaped their current outlook. Bayless framed it as a problem of their own making rather than bad luck.
That is what gives his take a sharper edge, as he questions both the present and the long-term direction of the franchise.
Skip Bayless says the Steelers are being held hostage by Aaron Rodgers
Bayless shared his reaction in a clip posted via ArenaGridiron, where he laid out his concerns about Pittsburgh’s situation.
The comments focused heavily on Rodgers and what Bayless believes he represents at this stage of his career.
Bayless said, “This is a very sad story to me, that the Pittsburgh Steelers are being held hostage by Aaron Rodgers, because they did this to themselves.”
He added: “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.”
The argument combines criticism of Rodgers’ level with frustration at how the Steelers have handled their options.
Skip Bayless questions the Steelers’ quarterback plan beyond Aaron Rodgers
Bayless also pointed to what he sees as uncertainty behind Rodgers, raising questions about the depth chart and future planning.
He stated, “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,” Bayless concluded.
The comments suggest a lack of clarity around Pittsburgh’s long-term direction at quarterback.
For Bayless, the issue is not just Rodgers, but how the Steelers have positioned themselves if that plan does not work out.
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