The Pittsburgh Steelers have started practicing with full pads during the second week of training camp. Pittsburgh will find itself with multiple new faces on both sides of the ball in 2025, as the team made a number of crucial moves throughout the offseason. Among those new faces will be four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as the Steelers signed the veteran to a one-year deal worth up to just under $20 million.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers during his first practice with the team during the 2025 offseason.
Rodgers finds himself in Pittsburgh following a miserable two-year tenure with the New York Jets, as injuries and mediocrity throughout his couple of years in New York led to a failed experiment for all involved. Rodgers will look to make a crucial impact this season despite the veteran's decline in play over recent years, as the former Jet will enter what is more than likely his final season in the NFL.
Rodgers should benefit from going up against TJ Watt and the rest of the Steelers' defense throughout training camp, as the veteran will be getting reps against a top defensive unit in all of football. Watt spoke about facing Rodgers Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show, as the veteran claimed Rodgers has been frustrating to play against.
"Frustrating because he talks a lot of smack." Watt stated. "He's able to manipulate defenses good, so it's been frustrating and [Wednesday] I hope we get the better off him."
Watt recently signed a three-year, $123 million extension with $108 million guaranteed, as the veteran is now the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt has been a crucial anchor on the Steelers' defense throughout his entire career, as the superstar is expected to continue playing at a high level throughout his next four seasons in Pittsburgh.
Watt could find himself playing a significant role off the field as well, as the generational linebacker is expected to be an excellent mentor for rookies' Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer.
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Steelers linebacker TJ Watt.
Both Watt and Rodgers' play throughout this season will more than likely be a crucial factor in Pittsburgh's overall success, as many feel like the Steelers could emerge with a top offense in the league should Rodgers prove to be healthy.
The former Green Bay Packer is still just four years removed from winning his last MVP award in 2021, as Rodgers very well may thrive playing under Arthur Smith's offense. With Rodgers and Watt set to face off against each other throughout the remainder of training camp, fans should continue to keep a close eye on both veterans during the upcoming weeks.
Steelers' Jonnu Smith May Emerge As Aaron Rodgers' Third Option Throughout Training Camp
With the second week of training camp officially underway, many have continued to question Pittsburgh's depth in the wide receiver room. The Steelers have DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll as solidified top options, with Roman Wilson currently listed as the wide receiver three entering the season. Pittsburgh acquired tight end Jonnu Smith in a deal with the Miami Dolphins as well, as Smith may emerge as a top receiving option for Rodgers in the near future.
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Steelers' Jonnu Smith continuing a play after a reception in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jonnu Smith was credited with a career year last season, as the veteran posted an impressive 884 yards on 88 receptions despite poor quarterback play for the majority of the year.
Jonnu Smith is an athletic tight end that has the ability to play multiple positions, as many believe the former Dolphin will become a top weapon at Rodgers' disposal throughout 2025. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on Smith throughout the course of training camp, as the veteran is widely expected to play a key role on the Steelers' offense this season.
With Watt and Rodgers set to continue practicing against each other, both veterans are expected to be top contributors in 2025. Watt should face no problem picking up where he left off in 2024, as the seven time Pro Bowler has played on an elite level his entire career. Rodgers may look more like himself should the veteran prove to be healthy, as fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the starting quarterback throughout the remainder of camp.
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