The Pittsburgh Steelers finally found their answer at quarterback for 2025. Despite a lengthy wait, four-time league MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers worth up to just under $20 million. The move doesn't come as a surprise, as Rodgers has been anticipated to sign with Pittsburgh for a number of months now.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With the rest of the quarterback room consisting of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, Rodgers will be the team's starting quarterback barring any injuries. Rodgers may prove to make an impact off the field as well, as the 20-year veteran will be an excellent mentor. With Rodgers officially in Pittsburgh, the former Green Bay Packers legend will now turn his attention towards further developing his relationship with the Steelers' wide receiver room.
After acquiring DK Metcalf in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason, the Steelers find themselves with an elite and explosive playmaker as their new wide receiver one (WR1). Rodgers, who has already worked out with Metcalf prior to signing the contract, is expected to have an excellent relationship with the former Seahawk as the two have already developed chemistry between each other in private workouts. When asked about Rodgers and the similarities he has between himself and Metcalf's former quarterback, Russell Wilson, the star wide out voiced his opinion.
"I would say they are similar with how they approach the game. They are very professional, going to hold people accountable in the offense and in a team setting," Metcalf stated. "But also, they are going to work their butts off when they are out here, and they are going to make you come up to their level of competitiveness out there on the grass. So that's what I like about them."
Metcalf then went on to share some of the differences between the two veteran quarterbacks, highlighting the unique attributes that each have at their disposal.
"And the differences, they are two completely different people and two completely different quarterbacks with how they play the game of football," said Metcalf. "So I think that's the unique thing about this game, you got people like me and Calvin [Austin III], or you got Russ and Aaron. But you know they play it in their own unique way."
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants earlier this offseason, had an up and down season with the Steelers last year after splitting snaps with Justin Fields.
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Former Steelers QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields look on during practice.
Metcalf, who is now expected to be a major beneficiary of having Rodgers as his quarterback, should have no problem finding his role in Arthur Smith's offensive scheme. Metcalf also went on to mention Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin lll as well, as the young wide out continues to turn heads throughout the offseason. He's projected to start alongside Metcalf come September.
Steelers' Calvin Austin lll Emerging As WR2 Behind Metcalf
With Metcalf solidifying himself as Pittsburgh's top receiver, Austin lll continues to emerge as the Steelers' (WR2) prior to the start of training camp. Austin lll, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal, is a fast and elusive receiver that may prove to be an excellent option across Metcalf. A fourth round pick in 2022, Austin lll has continued to get better throughout the early stages of his NFL career, as the rising star now finds himself in prime position to take over a more significant role.
Austin lll was a star at the college level as well, as the former Memphis Tigers standout found himself among the top receivers in college football, despite originally being a walk-on. Austin lll is expected to continue fighting towards the WR2 role with Roman Wilson, as Austin lll reportedly has had the edge over Wilson in recent weeks. With the start of training camp continuing to grow closer, the Steelers are expected to evaluate all options before coming to an official decision.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Calvin Austin III runs alongside DK Metcalf, Brandon Johnson, Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson during Phase One of voluntary offseason workouts in 2025.
As Rodgers officially finds himself in Pittsburgh and with Metcalf cementing himself as the Steelers' top receiver, the veteran QB is expected to focus on further developing a connection with Pittsburgh's entire receiving corps. Fans may want to monitor both Austin lll and Wilson closely, as the two are expected to continue battling the rest of the offseason.
Are you excited to see both Rodgers and Metcalf in a Steelers uniform this season? Comment below!
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