With the start of training camp just around the corner, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with multiple new faces on offense who will look to make a major impact throughout the 2025 season. Among those new faces is four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, as the veteran is entering what is more than likely the final season of his career. Despite being past his prime, Rodgers is widely expected to still perform at a respectable level throughout 2025 and should benefit greatly by having DK Metcalf as his top receiving option.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Rodgers, who is fresh off a failed two-year tenure with the New York Jets, is an experienced quarterback who has proven to make a difference throughout every stage of his career. Rodgers' time in New York was highlighted by injuries and mediocrity however, as the veteran suffered a brutal Achilles injury in 2023 that left him sidelined for just about the entire season, only to be followed by an underwhelming performance in 2024. Despite Rodgers officially being in Pittsburgh, many continue to question the veteran's urgency, as social media continues to ask what took the former Jet so long to officially sign the contract.
When asked for his thoughts on the situation, NFL analyst and former head coach, Eric Mangini took a moment to share his opinion.
"I don't know if it's me being cynical, but you had a lot of time to make a decision to become a Pittsburgh Steeler," Mangini stated. "You could have come in a little bit earlier, you could have gone to a few OTAs. You could have gotten a much more thorough understanding of the system so that this becomes that much more impactful."
Mangini then went on to speak about Rodgers' desire to stay away from the media, claiming the veteran quarterback's actions do not entirely line up with his statement.
"And didn't he talk about how he is trying to stay away from the media and keep things private? Then you have this, and you're the one that posted on Instagram? It just seems a little bit disingenuous," Mangini claimed.
Mangini was the head coach for the Jets from 2006 to 2008, and then the Cleveland Browns from 2009 to 2010. After that, he became an NFL analyst for ESPN. His comments may not come as shocking, as many fans continued to share their frustration with the veteran taking his time prior to him signing the deal as well. Rodgers missed out on multiple key drills and practices throughout the early stages of the offseason, as the future Hall of Fame quarterback was reportedly dealing with a number of personal issues at the time. Despite being absent throughout OTAs, Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history and may very well thrive throughout training camp, despite signing just over a month ago.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers throwing a no look pass during Steelers minicamp in 2025.
Rodgers finds himself with multiple weapons at his disposal as well, with Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll expected to be major contributors throughout the season. Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is an elite wide receiver who should thrive with Rodgers as his quarterback. Austin, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is a promising young receiver who has reportedly shown major signs of improvement throughout the offseason.
Steelers' Jonnu Smith Expected To Play Multiple Roles In Arthur Smith's Offense
After trading free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange of superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, the Steelers find themselves with one of the better tight end rooms in the entire league. Already consisting of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the Steelers' offense features multiple tight ends who should make a major impact in 2025, especially with Rodgers now under center.
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Former Miami Dolphins and now-Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (#9) enters the field before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 27, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
As Rodgers continues to further develop a relationship with his new offensive weapons, many remain skeptical regarding the quarterback's urgency to sign with Pittsburgh. Only time will tell if Rodgers' late arrival will impact his performance, but with him now officially in a Steelers' uniform, the team is expected to get a better understanding as to where the veteran currently stands in the near future.
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