In the 2025 offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a massive trade when they sent a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for wide receiver DK Metcalf. Shortly after acquiring Metcalf, the Steelers sent their own star, George Pickens, to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving them in a similar spot with only one reliable top wideout. Pickens was coming off a very poor end to his 2024 season, on and off the field, which led the Steelers to the decision to move on. This made Metcalf the featured weapon in the offense. With his pedigree, Metcalf had very high expectations in 2025, getting to play with a future Hall of Fame quarterback, but things took a very different turn.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf celebrate during a game in the 2025 NFL season.
Aaron Rodgers signed in June, just in time for mandatory minicamp. Rodgers was coming from the New York Jets, where he didn't have much to work with. He showed that he could still play even into his 40s, but what the Jets had to offer around him wasn't enough. Pittsburgh had the offensive line, but not the reliable weaponry, putting Rodgers in a situation similar to his previous team.
Metcalf and Rodgers are a bit of an odd pairing, but one that needed to work. They had some moments of greatness, but the pair ultimately disappointed in 2025. Metcalf was inconsistent, but it's hard to pin the blame on him. Metcalf was often neutralized due to the lack of threat on the outside, but Rodgers' inability to push the ball downfield really hindered Metcalf.
Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports recently ranked all 32 NFL teams' wide receivers, and he was very skeptical of Metcalf. He mentions Metcalf's flaws, but believes Rodgers is what’s holding Metcalf back. With Rodgers at 42, hits hurt a lot more than they did in his 20s, so his playstyle is very quick, often taking checkdowns.
"I am going to put a pin on that Steelers conversation. It's the quarterback, man, it's the quarterback. Which is funny, because I think most people don't think that's the thing that's limiting it."
The Steelers went an entire month without completing a deep pass, an impressive feat for the wrong reasons. Lots of factors went into that, but Rodgers is primarily to blame. His arm is still live, but his accuracy and touch aren't as consistent as they once were. The future Hall of Famer is turning 43 during the upcoming season, meaning those problems likely won't improve.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers during the team's first practice of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2026.
While the former Ole Miss Rebels standout may be limited by Rodgers' game, he will get lots of help from his new scheme. Mike McCarthy should be able to help open up Metcalf and get him the ball as much as possible. The West Coast offense loves slant routes and timing concepts. Metcalf excels at getting yards after the catch. Even if the deep passing game doesn't improve, Metcalf should still be a threat in the short game.
Steelers Need Rodgers To Regain His Touch
Rodgers is still capable of being a starting NFL quarterback, but he is a shell of his MVP self. He can still zip the ball, but those tight-window throws are rare nowadays. With Rodgers now a quick-game merchant, it really limits what the offense can do, making them predictable. If they want to keep defenses guessing, Rodgers will need to turn the clock back a bit and stand in and make the tough throws.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws a pass in the Week 15 win vs the Miami Dolphins.
Rodgers had a good offensive line in 2025, and that should continue in 2026. The Steelers' cast of weaponry is much better compared to last offseason, which should be a tremendous help to both Rodgers and Metcalf. The offense as a whole will be much better than last season, but Metcalf and Rodgers must get on the same page and produce. Otherwise, it could be more of the same that Steeler Nation has seen in years past.
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