Adam Schefter gives verdict on Aaron Rodgers' place in AFC North QB pecking order alongside Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson

By Sanu Abraham

Modified Jun 06, 2025 18:09 GMT

Syndication: Journal Sentinel - Source: Imagn

Aaron Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh this June to a chorus of questions: At 41, can he still match wits with two of the AFC North's most electric talents? On Friday's episode of ESPN's "Get Up," NFL insider Adam Schefter assessed where Rodgers fits among his new divisional peers.

"Aaron Rodgers is the third-best quarterback in that division, no matter how great he’s been throughout the course of his career,” Schefter said (Timestamp: 5:25). “He’s still in a division with Lamar Jackson, he’s still in a division with Joe Burrow."

Rodgers walks into a division where Jackson’s blend of arm and legs carried Baltimore into the playoffs in 2024. On the other side, Burrow led a patched-up offensive line and still performed well.

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Meanwhile, Rodgers owns four MVP trophies and a Lombardi Trophy from Green Bay. The question isn’t what he has done. It’s whether he can still rise to the challenge.

AFC North hierarchy and Aaron Rodgers’ resume

Syndication: Arizona Republic - Source: Imagn

When Adam Schefter spoke to ESPN's "Get Up on Friday, he made it plain: Aaron Rodgers sits behind Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in the current pecking order.

Last season with the Jets, Rodgers completed 63 percent of his throws for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He had missed nearly all of 2023 with an Achilles tear.

By contrast, Jackson recorded 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns for Baltimore in 2024. His dual-threat ability pushed the Ravens back into the playoffs.

In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow, playing behind a makeshift offensive line, threw for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The change in scene for Rodgers comes after a challenging stint with the Jets.

Rodgers' résumé remains staggering. Over 20 seasons, he has passed for 62,952 yards, 503 touchdowns and 111 interceptions, and has won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl ring.

Whether Rodgers can spark a Steelers offense that went 3–14 in 2024 now depends on him matching Jackson’s playmaking and Burrow’s pinpoint accuracy.

About the author

Sanu Abraham is an NFL writer at Sportskeeda. As an avid football fan, he provides unique perspectives and novel ideas to the coverage of the sport and its many fascinating personalities.

His goal is to write lively and engaging articles that further demonstrate his expertise in the game. Sanu also has an exceptional ability to analyze team strategies and report on the latest developments on the field.

In addition to his sports writing, Sanu holds a postgraduate diploma in filmmaking and creative writing. As a firm believer in the power of storytelling and a keen observer, Sanu aims to document impactful moments through his passionate journalism and image-capturing.

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Edited by Ribin Peter