Offseason activities are now underway for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they’re already generating plenty of discussion. With several roster spots still up in the air on both offense and defense, all eyes are on how things will unfold. These offseason programs offer players a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and make a case for themselves as potential solutions to the team’s lingering roster questions.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren running with the football during practice.
Not everyone places the same level of importance on Organized Team Activities (OTAs), however. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently discussed this on his Kaboly + Mack podcast, expressing skepticism about judging a player's value based solely on their performance during these early offseason sessions. According to Kaboly, relying too heavily on OTAs for evaluation may not be the most accurate or effective approach.
"No, they don't," Kaboly answered. "They might look good in this setting, but that means nothing to me."
When asked about which players to keep an eye on, Kaboly acknowledged that while these camps hold value, it's difficult to accurately assess a player's true ability based on OTA performances alone. Every year, there are certain players shine during these offseason programs, only to fall short of expectations once the regular season kicks off. The reality is that there’s a significant difference between excelling in a controlled practice environment and performing under the pressure of real game situations.
Beyond skill development and refinement, these offseason programs play a crucial role in building team camaraderie. While many players spend the offseason training individually and improving their personal skills, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity for teammates to come together, connect, and build trust. Team chemistry is often an overlooked, but essential element in the NFL, and these programs help lay the foundation for stronger cohesion on and off the field.
One of the biggest missing pieces in building team camaraderie for the Steelers is the lack of a definitive starting quarterback. If the season were to kick off today, Mason Rudolph would most likely be under center. However, it’s widely known that the Steelers are strong contenders to sign veteran free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The possibility of bringing Rodgers aboard has generated significant discussion around the organization.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger looks on while quarterback Mason Rudolph throws the football during practice.
It’s felt like ages for Steelers fans since the initial reports linking Rodgers to Pittsburgh first started, and many thought he would’ve made a decision by now with offseason activities underway. However, Rodgers has a history of skipping these types of offseason programs, making his continued silence less surprising, but still frustrating for those desperately wanting clarity on this prolonged situation.
Rodgers has developed a reputation over the years for skipping or limiting his participation in offseason programs. During his later seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers often chose to train independently rather than attend team-organized sessions, saying the reason was his veteran status and preferred personal routines. While some viewed this as an okay choice for such a seasoned quarterback, others criticized it, especially when it came to building chemistry with younger teammates and new receivers. His absence from these programs was often a topic of media scrutiny and locker room discussion. This pattern has followed him into the later stages of his career, adding to the concerns about his commitment and readiness.
Steelers Are Looking Towards The Future
While the quarterback situation continues to capture most of the headlines, the Steelers have been engaging in other areas this offseason, working to strengthen the roster for whoever ends up filling this void. The Steelers have made several strategic draft picks and are looking to younger players, both rookies and recent draft selections, to step up and compete for starting roles.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III works out in Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason.
With offseason programs now underway, it will be interesting to watch how these players perform and see how those performances change roster decisions heading into the season.
Who do you think will stand out during these offseason activities? Let us know in the comments below!
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