The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an active 2025 offseason, which is rare for the historically conservative franchise. The most significant move came in March, when the front office acquired two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks for a second-round pick. A few months after the move, the Steelers signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers in free agency, pairing Metcalf with a four-time Most Valuable Player and future Hall of Famer. Rodgers is likely the best passer that Metcalf has ever played with, and former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger certainly seems to think so.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' wide receiver DK Metcalf catches the football during a joint practice against Tampa Bay.
While Rodgers is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history, Metcalf's former quarterbacks certainly aren't bad. They include ten-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion, and 2024 Steelers quarterback, Russell Wilson. Wilson is almost arguably also a Hall of Famer, but Roethlisberger clearly thinks that he doesn't compare to Rodgers. In a recent episode of his podcast Footbahlin' with Ben Roethlisberger, the retiree gave his thoughts on Metcalf's new situation.
"I'll say this about [Metcalf]," Roethlisberger began. "He has not had a quarterback, obviously, of Aaron's caliber. I mean, Aaron is a different caliber... I know we haven't seen what DK Metcalf can do on a football field."
It's no secret that Wilson's play has declined in recent years, but Metcalf had his most productive seasons with Wilson under center. This includes a 2020 campaign with 1,300 yards, 10 touchdowns and a Pro Bowl appearance.
Roethlisberger's statement is a bold one, but it's not necessarily crazy. There are very few quarterbacks in NFL history that are of Rodgers' caliber. Only one player, Peyton Manning, has more MVPs.
Rodgers' 2020 season, one that saw him throw for 4,299 yards, 48 touchdowns, and only five interceptions is widely regarded as one of the best quarterback seasons in the history of the league. The question, however, is how much he has left in the tank, and how much he can contribute towards a successful season for Metcalf. If training camp was any indication, the duo is in for a good 2025 season.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers See A Shining Connection Between Rodgers and Metcalf in Training Camp
The connection between Rodgers and Metcalf in 2025 started off sorely, with a pass intended for Metcalf intercepted by linebacker Patrick Queen in the first team drill of training camp.
Aaron Rodgers first training camp throw in team drills with intercepted by Patrick Queen
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) July 24, 2025
Since then, the duo's connection shined. Metcalf was easily the most targeted receiver for Rodgers all summer long, and the two became close on and off the field - they even shared a dormitory at St. Vincent College. In an interview on the NFL on CBS, Metcalf spoke glowingly of his new quarterback.
"You know, I look up to him," Metcalf said. "[Not] just in the football aspect, but just what he's been through in life. Just me, [being able to] learn from his experiences.... He's just a great addition to my life and my career."
While Rodgers is no doubt a controversial figure around the NFL, it's clearly no secret how Metcalf feels about him.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
While Roethlisberger's comments could be seen as a jab at Wilson, it speaks more to how decorated and respected Rodgers is as a quarterback in the NFL. While it's yet to be seen if there's enough left in the tank for a successful season in 2025, the quarterback-receiver duo are off to a hot start.
They've given Steeler Nation a reason to be excited. Neither got a chance to show it in the 2025 preseason, but the team is hoping their spark can continue when the regular season kicks off on September 7th.
What do you think about Rodgers and Metcalf? Do you think Rodgers is the best quarterback that Metcalf has played with? Let us know in the comments below!
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