The Pittsburgh Steelers made a lot of moves this offseason that made it clear they weren't considering 2025 a rebuilding season, and were retooling in an attempt to make a deep playoff run. That isn't something they have been able to accomplish in recent seasons, but Steeler Nation is hoping that the addition of four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers can help change that.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw as the team works out during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Rodgers is easily the most talented and accomplished quarterback the team has had since the retirement of soon to be Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 NFL season. However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the team might not be asking Rodgers to carry the full weight of the franchise like some have asked of him to do in the past.
Former Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks joined The Offensive Line with Annie Agar, and the two primarily discussed the addition of Rodgers for the Steelers, and what it likely means for their offense. Agar, an avid Green Bay Packers fan, asked Starks if Rodgers' age and current situation is a concern or not.
"I don't think it does," said Starks. "Given the way the Steelers are built, they're built around a defense and you have a Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick as your veteran leaders. You have a very young offense, but a good offense."
There are some around the league that may not agree with Starks on his point that the offense is "good" around Rodgers, as outside of recent addition DK Metcalf, the rest of the skill players still have a lot to prove. However, there is upside there with the group being so young and not having a talented quarterback like Rodgers to help elevate their game thus far.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
With a defense that should be among the top units in the league again in 2025, as well as an offense that should be improved from years passed to support Rodgers, Starks doesn't believe the veteran quarterback will need to do it all himself, like he might have needed to do at previous stops in his career.
"Aaron Rodgers doesn't have to put on the cape every time, but he is going to have to put on the cape at least 2 to 3 games and win you those games. That is why you bring a veteran in, you don't want to put all that pressure on a rookie."
In previous seasons, it was clear that the game plan for the Steelers entering most games was to play great defense, limit mistakes on offense, and make one more play than their opponent to pull out a win. That led to less than desirable results overall.
With Rodgers now under center, Tomlin will likely loosen the reigns a little bit for Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith to hopefully take the offense to a higher level than previous seasons. That should allow Rodgers to play a free style of football which he is used to, but stay within the structure of the run-heavy, play-action catered offense.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers making a throw during 2025 mandatory minicamp with DK Metcalf in the background.
Regardless of how much Rodgers ends up needing to do every week for the Steelers to win football games, the evidence is still pointing towards the Steelers wanting to lean on their defense and run game to control football games.
Steelers Need Their Offensive Line To Perform At High Level
While Rodgers should be able to elevate the Steelers' playmakers on offense, there is a chance his current level of mobility might put more stress on the team's offensive line. The Steelers' offensive line has high expectations this season, as multiple high draft picks and free agent money invested in the past couple seasons, need to finally justify the price tag.
Rodgers is no longer as mobile as he once was earlier in his career, and while he is now going to be two full seasons removed from his serious Achilles injury, that still will be a factor in his ability to escape the pocket. Whether it be Broderick Jones transitioning back to left tackle, or Troy Fautanu proving his glimpse of success in 2024 can be sustained, there will continue to be questions until the season starts if Rodgers and this offensive line will work well together.
Do you think Rodgers will be required to put on his cape and save the Steelers frequently during the 2025 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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