Aaron Rodgers and Beyond: How good are the Steelers chances in 2025?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for quarterback stability ever since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his boots, cycling through a carousel of signal-callers with little success. The 2025 offseason brought a seismic shift with the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, offering hope that the team can finally find consistency under centre.
A New Era at Quarterback
Since Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to replace their franchise icon. Names like Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph have come and gone, none able to secure the role long-term. The 2024 season saw Justin Fields and Russell Wilson take the helm, guiding the team to a respectable 10-7 record but an all-too-familiar early playoff exit.
Enter Aaron Rodgers, signed to a one-year deal in 2025, bringing a pedigree that few can match. At 41, Rodgers offers experience, leadership, and a chance to stabilise a position that has been in flux for years. His arrival, orchestrated by general manager Omar Khan, signals a bold intent to compete now, with head coach Mike Tomlin—a figure Rodgers cited as a major draw—leading the charge.
Rodgers’ Recent Form: A Tale of Two Seasons
Rodgers’ tenure with the New York Jets was a rollercoaster. His 2023 debut lasted mere minutes, cut short by a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for the season. Returning in 2024, he played all 17 games but faced early struggles, likely a hangover from his injury.
The Jets’ porous offensive line and lacklustre supporting cast didn’t help, and the team floundered. Yet, Rodgers turned a corner late in the year, throwing 18 touchdowns against just four interceptions over his final 10 games, with a passer rating of 97. This resurgence proves he can still play at a high level when healthy and supported—a tantalising prospect for Steelers fans.
Can He Still Compete at the Top?
At 41, Rodgers isn’t the spry quarterback of his Green Bay heyday, but his arm talent and football IQ remain elite. His late-2024 performance suggests the tank isn’t empty, and with proper protection and weapons, he could thrive.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line, reinforced by 2024 draft picks Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, should offer more stability than the Jets’ did, while the Steelers’ run-heavy approach could ease the load, particularly with Kaleb Johnson joining the ranks. If Rodgers stays fit, he has the tools to elevate this offence and challenge defences across the league.
Why Pittsburgh is the Perfect Fit
After the pressure-cooker of New York, Pittsburgh feels like a breath of fresh air for Rodgers. The smaller market means less media glare, allowing him to focus on football rather than headlines. The Steelers’ stout defence, anchored by T.J. Watt, consistently keeps games close, reducing the need for Rodgers to play hero every week.
Add in a solid running game and a coach in Tomlin who commands respect, and you have a setup tailor-made for Rodgers to succeed. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for both sides. Rodgers gets a chance to rebuild his legacy, and the Steelers get a proven winner.
Offseason Moves: Metcalf In, Pickens Out
The Steelers didn’t stop at Rodgers. Their 2025 offseason saw a major shake-up in the receiving corps, headlined by the acquisition of DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 second-round pick. Metcalf, a 6’4” speedster with a knack for big plays, is a dream target for Rodgers, offering the deep-threat ability the offence has lacked.
However, this came at a cost; George Pickens was shipped to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Pickens’ talent was undeniable, but his attitude grated on the coaching staff, making his exit a calculated move to prioritise team chemistry.
Draft Picks to Watch
The Steelers also bolstered their roster through the draft, targeting both sides of the ball. Key selections included:
- Derrick Harmon (DT): A hulking presence to pair with, and probably replace in the long-term, Cam Heyward, strengthening the defensive front.
- Kaleb Johnson (RB): A bruising back to complement Jaylen Warren and keep the ground game humming.
- Jack Sawyer (DE): Depth behind Watt and Alex Highsmith, with potential to contribute early.
These picks, alongside further depth at the offensive line and secondary, signal a balanced approach to building a contender.
T.J. Watt’s Contract: A Potential Storm Brewing?
Not everything is rosy in Pittsburgh. T.J. Watt, one of the best players in the NFL and the heartbeat of this defense, enters the final year of his contract in 2025. Fresh off Myles Garrett’s record-breaking extension with the Browns, Watt’s camp may push for a deal befitting his status as one of the NFL’s premier defenders.
His absence from mandatory minicamp in June has sparked rumours of discontent, and any holdout could strain the salary cap — especially with Rodgers and Metcalf now in the fold. The Steelers have voiced their intent to keep Watt, and I’m sure a deal will get done, but this just casts a potentially murky shadow over an otherwise promising offseason.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism. Aaron Rodgers, though past his prime, brings a level of quarterback play the team hasn’t seen since Roethlisberger’s peak. His fit in Pittsburgh—less pressure, better support—could unlock a late-career renaissance.
This blend of veteran savvy and young talent might just end the Steelers’ playoff win drought and propel them deep into January. For now, the Steel City dares to dream again.
