Steelers See Signs For An Even Better Aaron Rodgers In 2026 As Great News About The Offense Drops

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to remain consistent on the offensive side of the ball over the last several years. Both the passing game and the running game have struggled, but there are some reasons for optimism heading into the 2026 season. The offensive line is expected to be better than it has been in recent years, and the Steelers also added some incredible talent. Rico Dowdle was signed during free agency, Michael Pittman Jr. was acquired via trade, and Germie Bernard was selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Aaron Rodgers is going to have an upgraded arsenal of weapons on offense, which could improve his play as well.

On offense in 2025, Rodgers didn't have many options. His only real threat at wide receiver was DK Metcalf, but it was easy for defenses to take him out of games due to the lack of weapons that were on the field for the Steelers. The duo also hurt themselves some as the chemistry never seemed to be where it needed to be in order for the two to get rolling. Metcalf struggled with drops at times, Rodgers was limited with his mobility, and the offense just struggled as a whole. Despite the struggles, Rodgers still put up one of the best quarterback seasons the organization has seen in recent years.

Rodgers played well in 2025, and there is reason to believe he will be able to play well again in 2026. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo recently published an article for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the chemistry between Rodgers and Metcalf is clearly better than what it was in 2025.

"There were a few reasons for the flat first season in Pittsburgh," Fittipaldo wrote. "For one, [Metcalf] faced double teams often because the Steelers didn’t have a quality receiving corps that could make teams pay for their attention on Metcalf. But there was another reason: The chemistry with Rodgers was hit and miss. Your quarterback and top receiver have to think the game in the same way, and there are some signs the chemistry between Rodgers and Metcalf is much improved. Drops remain a concern for Metcalf, but a second season with Rodgers should yield much better results with his production."

Fittipaldo has noticed some improved chemistry between the veteran quarterback and his wide receiver, which is great news for fans. Metcalf is probably entering the 2026 season with a significant chip on his shoulder, and fans are desperate to see him break out with the team.

The addition of guys like Pittman and Bernard should also help Metcalf have a better season in 2026. This gives opposing defenses more to worry about through the passing game. Roman Wilson taking a step forward would also be big, as would using Pat Freiermuth more in the passing game. When he is targeted, good things happen. This could alleviate some defensive pressure on Metcalf, which should lead to some big games for the duo that consists of him and Rodgers.

Steelers' DK Metcalf Still Put Up Big Performances In 2025

Metcalf hauled in six touchdowns in 2025, while recording 850 receiving yards. That's pretty good when considering the poor chemistry between him and Rodgers and the fact that he missed the final two games of the regular season due to suspension. Assuming he will play in more games in 2026, his numbers should be even bigger. 

He only had two games with over 100 receiving yards in 2025, but that should be more of a common occurrence in 2026 with him and Rodgers on the same page.

What do you think about this report from Fittipaldo? What do you expect from Rodgers and Metcalf? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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