The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin the 2025 season with multiple veteran players on both sides of the ball. Pittsburgh signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal in the offseason while also trading for DK Metcalf, as the two veterans will look to lead the way on offense at MetLife Stadium Week 1 against the New York Jets. Rodgers will look to get off to a quick start against his former team in what may very well be the veteran's final season in the NFL.
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Steelers' wide receiver DK Metcalf catches the football during a joint practice against Tampa Bay.
The Steelers' offensive line will play a crucial role in protecting Rodgers all year long. Rodgers is 41 years old and entering his 21st season, and one big hit could prove to be fatal to the his legendary career. The offensive line could be one of the biggest factors in the Steelers' 2025 success as it will need to limit the amount of hits that Rodgers is taking to an absolute minimum.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden recently took a moment to share his thoughts on the offense ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup, where the former Super Bowl champion claimed that players like Rodgers, Metcalf and Jonnu Smith will play key roles in a quick start against the Jets due to their experiences over the years.
"With the experience that Aaron Rodgers has, and it seems like he's very, very acclimated with this new offense, I don't expect to see any slow starts." McFadden stated.
The former NFL veteran continued to speak about key offensive players like Metcalf and Smith, as the Steelers have multiple skill guys with experience that will look to start strong in Week 1.
"I don't, I don't. I think Mike Tomlin believes his experience will help them. You look at DK Metcalf being an experienced guy as well. You look at Pat [Freiermuth], you look at Jonnu Smith, they have some experienced skill guys surrounding the quarterback that haven't been in this rodeo once or twice; they've been around for quite some time."
Rodgers will need to start strong against the Jets' defense. The Steelers have experienced players up and down the roster on both sides of the ball who will look to send a message during Week 1. Rodgers and Metcalf could emerge as an elite deep ball threat as well, as Pittsburgh will enter the 2025 season as one of the most experienced teams in all of football.
Pat Freiermuth is expected to be a major contributor on offense this year. The 6'5", 258 pound tight end is a four year veteran that will begin the season as the Steelers' starting tight end alongside Smith. Freiermuth was credited with 653 yards on 65 receptions last season, while hauling in seven touchdowns as well.
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The Steelers acquired Smith in a trade with the Miami Dolphins earlier in the offseason. The veteran tight end had the best season of his career last year, as Smith was able to secure 884 yards on 88 receptions while catching eight touchdowns as well. The 2024 Pro Bowler will look to pick up right where he left off in Miami throughout his first season in Pittsburgh and may very well emerge as a top tight end in football once again this season.
Al Diaz / Miami Herald via AP
Steelers' TE Jonnu Smith celebrating a massive touchdown as a Miami Dolphin against the New York Jets.
Smith and Freiermuth are likely to form a formidable duo. Both tight ends could see their fair share of targets throughout the season. Pittsburgh has Darnell Washington as a legitimate weapon behind Smith and Freiermuth as well, but Smith could end up finding himself receiving the majority of the targets from the tight end position.
The Steelers have a number of skilled veterans on both sides of the ball that will play a role in the team's 2025 success. Rodgers and Metcalf will look to start fast and put their chemistry on full display during Week 1. Pittsburgh will be on the road to face the Jets at MetLife Stadium tomorrow where Rodgers and the rest of the Steelers' offense will look to begin the year on a high note.
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