The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 season with a plethora of new faces on both sides of the ball. Arguably among the most notable move the team made the entire offseason, 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, who joins the Steelers fresh off a failed two-year tenure with the New York Jets, is more than likely entering the final season of his career, but may still be able to supply Arthur Smith's offense with some serious firepower.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
The Steelers made multiple other moves as well, as General Manager Omar Khan and his staff agreed to a blockbuster deal that sent veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Smith was credited with a career year in 2024, as the eight-year veteran is expected to pick up right where he left off in Miami with Rodgers as his new quarterback. Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is an elite cornerback who should face no problem finding his role in the Steelers' secondary almost instantly.
With the biggest moves of the Steelers' offseason now over with, NFL analyst Ray Fittipaldo took a moment to share his thoughts as to how well he believes Pittsburgh may perform this season.
"Even when they didn't have a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, they always managed to win nine or 10 games and be in the playoffs," Fittipaldo stated. "To me, if this works out to any degree, where Aaron and Arthur Smith are on the same page, maybe they can get up to 24, 25 points per game."
Fittipaldo then went on to share his outlook on the Steelers' season, claiming if all goes well he could realistically see the team winning 11 games.
"I think you're cautiously optimistic that they could get to 11 wins this year."
Fittipaldo's comments may not come as surprising to many, as the Steelers have made multiple big moves throughout the offseason in hopes of reinforcing holes on both the offense and defense. Pittsburgh most recently signed superstar linebacker TJ Watt to a three-year extension, as the veteran is now the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is an elite linebacker who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league.
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Steelers' TJ Watt holds his arms out in celebration after a big play during a home game in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is expecting a big year out of DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll as well, as both receivers will enter the 2025 season as the Steelers' top targets. Metcalf, who was acquired earlier in the offseason in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, is an elite wide receiver who should shine with Rodgers as his quarterback. Austin, who finds himself entering the final season of his rookie deal, is a promising young receiver who will look to make an impact throughout his contract year.
Steelers May Add Depth To The Wide Receiver Room Soon
Despite acquiring Smith from the Dolphins, the Steelers have been linked to multiple wide receivers who are still available on the free agency market. Smith is expected to emerge as a top target for Rodgers as well, as the team may opt to add more depth at the position regardless. With rumors continuing to circulate throughout social media, Pittsburgh has most recently been linked to Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis.
Cooper, a five time Pro Bowler and 10 year veteran, is a solid receiver who may prove to be a real weapon behind the Steelers' top options. Cooper was involved in a midseason deal last year between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, as the free agent receiver is expected to make a decision on his future sooner rather than later. Davis may emerge as a legitimate option as well, as the former Jacksonville Jaguar thrived throughout his time in Buffalo with Josh Allen as his quarterback.
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Steelers free agent target and ex-Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper is brought down by a Pittsburgh Steelers defender during a 2022 regular season matchup, following a reception in one of the NFL’s most intense divisional rivalries.
Pittsburgh is expected to continue evaluating the depth at multiple positions on both sides of the ball, as signing a receiver in hopes of adding depth at the position remains a legitimate option. Rodgers may shine with Metcalf and Austin as his top playmakers, as the veteran quarterback will look to end his career on a high note. With the start of training camp just days away, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at the newest Steelers practicing in full pads sooner rather than later.
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