The Pittsburgh Steelers look like an extremely new team compared to what the roster looked like heading into the 2024 season. The quarterback room has been completely turned over for the second year in a row, and most of the major offensive weapons within the offense have changed. Two of the newest additions include quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf, and fans are hoping that the duo will be able to be one of the best in the league. The two were working out together before Rodgers even signed with Pittsburgh, so the chemistry between them has been growing for quite some time.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III runs alongside DK Metcalf (far left) during Phase One of voluntary offseason workouts in 2025.
Both Rodgers and Metcalf are going to need to have a good season if Pittsburgh wants to have a chance of doing anything at all. The passing game is going to run through them, and fans are tired of seeing the same inconsistent and oftentimes incompetent passing offense from Pittsburgh. The duo appeared on Cam Heyward's podcast Not Just Football on Tuesday, where Metcalf spoke about his new quarterback, while also defending him against what gets said about him in the media.
"It's great," Metcalf said of having Rodgers as his quarterback. "I will say it's been a fun journey just to get to know him as a person off the field. I mean, guy gets a lot of sh*t for no reason in my eyes. He's been nothing but nice. It's none of their business, for real. You ain't do nothing to nobody."
Rodgers is constantly talked about in the national media for his actions on and off the field. He was one of the most criticized players in the NFL, and while some of it is justified, a lot of it is just because certain people have preconceived notions about the quarterback. Metcalf made sure to stand up for his guy and let his thoughts be known on that, which Heyward then jokingly said he only did so he would get more targets on the field.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf hauls in a pass during a joint practice against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2025 season.
Metcalf and Rodgers have grown close ever since the quarterback signed back in June. The two were suitemates at training camp in Latrobe, and they have seemed to form a tight relationship that began before Rodgers even decided to sign in Pittsburgh. This is a good sign for fans, as Metcalf seems to be a great leader for the wide receiver room, which is something the Steelers have not had in several years.
The wide receiver raved about being able to play with Rodgers due to his talent on the field, which is something that has not been talked about enough since the veteran signed. He had a slightly rocky season with the New York Jets in 2024 as he bounced back from an Achilles injury, but his play improved as the season went on. Now, with more time having passed since the injury, the quarterback's play should easily be in the top half of the league, maybe even better.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on with intense focus in street clothes as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Is Poised For A Great Year In Pittsburgh
As mentioned, Rodgers' play improved throughout the 2024 season, despite the fact that the Jets were never really seen as any sort of threat. In the second half of the regular season, Rodgers played extremely well, as he tallied nearly 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns to just four interceptions in Week 11 and on. He should be the best quarterback that the Steelers have had in a while, and he will likely bring out the best from his teammates. The rest of the players on the team do not want to let the quarterback down, which should lead to more team success as players rally behind Rodgers.
What do you think of Metcalf defending Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!
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