The Pittsburgh Steelers have made multiple significant upgrades on the offensive side of the ball throughout the 2025 offseason. After trading for former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh signed four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth up to just under $20 million. Rodgers finds himself with the Steelers after a failed two-year tenure with the New York Jets, as the veteran will look to make one more Super Bowl run in what is more than likely the final season of his career.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Rodgers is expected to make a massive impact on Arthur Smith's offense despite being far past his prime, as the former Jet should have no problem developing an elite deep ball connection with Metcalf. Metcalf should quickly become a top beneficiary of Rodgers' presence as well, as the veteran should thrive as Pittsburgh's clear-cut top receiving option.
With both Rodgers and Metcalf set to thrive as an elite deep ball threat in 2025, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will continue evaluating the duo and the rest of the Steelers' offense throughout the course of training camp. When asked for his thoughts on Rodgers being in Pittsburgh, former NFL wide receiver Harry Douglas took a moment to share his thoughts on ESPN's Get Up.
"One of the things to look at when it comes to Aaron Rodgers being in Pittsburgh is [Rodgers himself]," Douglas stated. 'When he became a starting quarterback, Mike McCarthy was going into his third season. When he was with the Jets, Robert Saleh was going into his third year. This is the first time in his career he's going to have a head coach with a lot of cache."
Douglas then went on to speak about Rodgers' relationship with Tomlin, claiming the mutual respect between the two could push the team forward to where they want to be.
"When you look at things from a respect level, him respecting Mike Tomlin and the mutual respect they have for one another, I believe is going to allow these two to have that relationship that pushed them forward to where they want to be."
A 20-year veteran, Rodgers is considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history and adding him very well may emerge as the most important move of the Steelers' entire offseason. The veteran shined throughout his time with the Green Bay Packers, as the 10-time Pro Bowler is still just three seasons removed from winning his last MVP award in 2021. Rodgers may play a major role off the field as well, as the veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor for rookie Will Howard.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers gets warmed up before offseason activties.
Douglas' comments may not come as a surprise to many, as Rodgers has publicly stated in the past that his respect for Tomlin as both a person and a coach played a major role in his decision to sign with Pittsburgh.
Rodgers' time in New York was highlighted by injuries and mediocrity, as an achilles injury at the beginning of the 2023 season left the veteran sidelined for the entire year, only to be followed by an underwhelming performance in 2024. With Rodgers officially in Pittsburgh, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at the Steelers' quarterback at the start of training camp.
Steelers Expected To Evaluate All Receiving Options During 2025 Training Camp
With the start of training camp just days away, Tomlin and his coaching staff are expected to get a better understanding of where Pittsburgh's receiving depth stands as a whole in the near future. Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll have solidified themselves as top options, as the team may turn to free agency in hopes of adding depth behind the two playmakers. Jonnu Smith is expected to emerge as a major weapon as well, as the athletic tight end is able to play multiple positions on offense.
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Steelers' Jonnu Smith warms up prior to a game with the Miami Dolphins during the 2024 season.
As rumors continue to circulate around social media, the Steelers have most recently found themselves linked to Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis in free agency. Cooper, a five time Pro Bowler and 10 year veteran, is a solid option who could provide Pittsburgh with consistent production behind Metcalf and Austin. Davis, who is coming off a lone season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a promising receiver who thrived throughout his time in Buffalo with Josh Allen.
With Rodgers officially in Pittsburgh and the veteran set to shine throughout 2025, the Steelers are expected to continue evaluating the wide receiver room throughout the course of training camp.
Metcalf and Austin should instantly benefit from Rodgers' presence, as Austin will look to have a big season in the final year of his rookie contract. With training camp beginning later this week, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at the 2025 Steelers practicing in full pads for the first time in the near future.
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