Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Has A Historically Profound Issue Which Could Affect The Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their quarterback for 2026. Aaron Rodgers is officially signing a one-year deal to return to the Steel City and run it back with a new head coach and an improved roster. Rodgers will join an offense that has added a variety of new weapons for his benefit. Among them are receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard, whom the Steelers drafted in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh lacked quality receiver depth in 2025, and with these two, it should be a big upgrade. 

It will be the first season in Pittsburgh for the two aforementioned receivers. They'll be heavily involved in the offense, even the rookie in Bernard. New head coach Mike McCarthy will instill a passing attack that utilizes the talents of the Steelers' receiving corps. That means Rodgers will be forced to build chemistry with the unfamiliar Pittman and Bernard for this offense to work. 

Rodgers' rapport with his receivers has been less than great over his long career, especially with young or rookie pass-catchers. ESPN's Ben Solak highlighted a potential concern for the Steelers' passing game in 2026. 

Rodgers will have to get on the same page with his new receivers and fast. His history with unfamiliar receivers could hinder that, and Solak highlighted it in a recent article, where he broke down how Rodgers will fit in the 2026 Pittsburgh offense. 

"Bernard and Pittman are new to Rodgers, and Rodgers famously struggles with new faces at receiver. They don't know his signals and predilections. No matter the scheme run for Rodgers, he will expect his receivers to change their routes to his exact expectations,” Solak wrote. “It is challenging to be a pass catcher for him. If one (or both) of those two can get up to speed quickly, it will create much-needed depth for a quarterback who wants to spread the ball around, regardless of Pittsburgh's system.”

Rodgers has a history of having his favorite targets, who he heavily involves in the offense. Sometimes, this is at the expense of the other capable pass-catchers within the offense. In Green Bay, the four-time MVP found Davante Adams to be his favorite receiver. 

Adams was a huge feature, but sometimes that left other receivers facing a tough time getting the ball. This happened in 2022 when Rodgers indirectly called out his young receiver corps, which included wideout Romeo Doubs. This could present an issue for the Steelers' passing game, which hopes to feature a rookie in a heavy capacity. 

Bernard has the talent to be a solid slot receiver right off the bat for Pittsburgh. However, there will be a high expectation from Rodgers to get his routes right in checks and audibles. Rodgers' history with rookie receivers doesn't bode well for Bernard, but it could push him to the next level. 

The problem is that if his quarterback doesn't trust him, it will be hard for Bernard to be involved. This could present development hindrances, which is something that a rookie receiver cannot afford. 

Steelers Need Rodgers To Create Chemistry With His New Receivers

Pittsburgh's aerial attack was less than stellar in 2025. Now, the team has an opportunity to rectify that issue. Now that Rodgers has signed before OTAs, he could spend this time forming a bond between himself and his new pass catchers. The goal for this offense is to be more efficient and aggressive than in 2025. The big plays that the team and fans crave can only happen when a quarterback and his receivers have the wherewithal to be on the same page. 

This offseason will be a huge test for the veteran quarterback, who will hopefully lead the Steelers to a coveted playoff win. He'll have to change the narrative that has plagued him throughout his 21-year NFL career. A connection with some unfamiliar faces is necessary for success. 

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