The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, his arrival also brings a wave of new questions and speculation. His arrival in Pittsburgh has fans and analysts alike wondering what additional moves the Steelers will make to support their new quarterback and further strengthen the roster.
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Aaron Rodgers warms up before the New York Jets' preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
One of the most significant remaining gaps on the Steelers' roster is at the wide receiver position. After trading away former star receiver George Pickens, the team is left with a large void in its receiving corps. With the recent addition of Rodgers, there's a lot of speculation about whether the Steelers will look to bring in another wide receiver to give their new quarterback another reliable target.
In a recent episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette weighed in on the situation, discussing potential candidates who could step in and help fill that crucial role, and that the Steelers may simply look at their current roster.
"Would we know who Randall Cobb was if he didn't play for the [Green Bay] Packers? Right, so there is that possibility they can get in the minicamp and they can be like oh, Calvin Austin, maybe he could be Aaron Rodgers' Randall Cobb," Fittipaldo said.
Rodgers and wide receiver Randall Cobb have one of the most well-known and lasting quarterback-wide receiver partnerships in recent NFL history. They first joined forces in 2011 when the Green Bay Packers drafted Cobb. It didn’t take long for the two to build strong on-field chemistry. Rodgers often looked to Cobb in key moments, especially on third downs and late in games, making Cobb one of his most trusted and dependable targets during their time together.
Their connection went beyond just football, as Rodgers and Cobb developed a close friendship off the field. In fact, Rodgers played a major role in bringing Cobb back to Green Bay in 2021 after a short time with the Houston Texans, showing how much their bond meant. The pair reunited again in 2023 with the New York Jets, further proving their strong quarterback-receiver relationship.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offseason quarterback target Aaron Rodgers walking off of the field with Randall Cobb after a game in 2020.
A relationship like the one between Rodgers and Cobb is rare and incredibly valuable in the NFL. Strong trust between a quarterback and wide receiver can make all the difference, allowing them to connect more effectively on key plays and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s timing and habits. While Rodgers and Cobb's bond is well-known and respected across the league, a new connection could be forming soon. Although Rodgers is currently signed to just a one-year deal with the Steelers, the offseason programs are only beginning, providing plenty of time for him to build chemistry with a new receiver. If the right player steps up, this could be the start of another dynamic partnership in Pittsburgh.
Throughout the offseason, much of the conversation surrounding the Steelers' wide receiver situation has focused on external options, whether that be signing a free agent or making a trade for a proven talent. While those possibilities are certainly worth exploring, far less attention has been given to the potential of developing talent already on the roster. One player who could emerge as a key contributor from within is Calvin Austin III.
Although he has largely flown under the radar, he brings an impressive combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability that could allow him to take on a much bigger role in the Steelers' offense. As he gets more practice reps and begins building chemistry with Rodgers, the opportunity is there for Austin to emerge as a surprise breakout player this season. With offseason programs already in motion and plenty of time remaining before the regular season kicks off, Austin has a real chance to prove himself and step up as a reliable receiving option for Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III.
Steelers Are Focused On The Future
The Steelers have made several moves this offseason that had a clear focus on building for the long term. By making strategic trades and positioning themselves for potential compensatory picks, they’ve managed to accumulate valuable draft capital. This added flexibility gives the Steelers the tools they need to make a major move if the right player becomes available, whether through the NFL Draft or another opportunity.
Are you excited for the upcoming Rodgers-Austin III connection? Let us know in the comments below!
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