The Pittsburgh Steelers are just a few days away from opening up their 2026 season at home against the Atlanta Falcons, and this team is going to be one of the more interesting groups to follow throughout the year due to the coaching change and other offseason moves in 2026. The 2026 season also marks the first time the Steelers will have the same starting quarterback in consecutive years since the 2020 and 2021 seasons, and that is thanks to Aaron Rodgers deciding to return to Pittsburgh for the final season of his career. He has plenty of fans that want to see him go out on top, and his teammates want to help him get there.
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Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (8) and WR DK Metcalf (4) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers made some headlines when he appeared on his teammate Cam Heyward's podcast on Tuesday. He discussed a lot of things about the current group of players on the Steelers, and he touched on the 2025 season and how he feels entering the final year of his career. He spoke about his connection with his wide receivers, specifically his top target, DK Metcalf.
Metcalf and Rodgers seem to be close as they were working out together before Rodgers even signed with the Steelers during the 2025 offseason. They have also been suite mates at training camp for the last two seasons, and they have taken trips with one another and other members of the offense. During Rodgers' appearance on Heyward's show he suggested that Metcalf might have had some stuff going on off the field during the 2025 season, and that is something Joe Starkey asked Mark Kaboly about during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday.
"I heard what you heard about what he said on the podcast. I'm unaware of anything aside from the blue-haired guy," Kaboly said. "But, first day of training camp, he spoke to the media in front of the podium and he seemed better, happier, a nicer human being. Last year, I'll be honest, sometimes he was as nice as could be, sometimes he wasn't as pleasant to go try and talk to. Sometimes we forget about the off-the-field stuff that can affect players. I imagine most of that had to do with the last few weeks of the season."
Kaboly has noticed that Metcalf seems to be in a better place than he was at times during the 2025 season. That can change as the season goes on, but right now the wide receiver seems to be better than ever. The beat writer also noted that a lot of what Rodgers was referring to could have had to do with the fan that Metcalf got into an altercation with behind the bench during the away game against the Detroit Lions. Metcalf received a two-game suspension and a hefty fine, and that could weigh on a player.
Steelers Are Getting A Better Version Of DK Metcalf In 2026
It is fair to say that Metcalf's 2025 season was a bit of a disappointment for fans. He did miss two games because of the suspension, but there were some games where he was completely taken off the field by the opposing defense. That should change in 2026 as the offensive roster is improved for Pittsburgh, which should take some of the defensive attention off of Metcalf.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
There is no telling what Metcalf might have been dealing with off of the field during the 2025 season, and that is none of the fan's business. All that matters now is that the star receiver seems to have a clear mind and is looking to outperform himself in 2026. Rodgers has even noted that Metcalf has had a fantastic camp, which is usually a great sign going into a season. Fans will be rooting for him to eclipse that 1,000-yard mark this time around.
What do you think about these comments on Metcalf from Kaboly? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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