Since the days of Ben Roethlisberger being under center ended, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been on the hunt for an above-average offense. To be frank, they’ve been on the hunt for even an average one in the grand scheme.
Acquiring four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers this offseason is the franchise’s attempt to inject some life into that side of the football. Coming off consecutive 10-7 seasons with third- and second-place finishes in the division, Pittsburgh’s eyes are set on an AFC North crown.
Many would argue that the offense will determine whether a new ceiling can be reached. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report is among that group. In a July 5 article, Moton cited the Steelers’ offense “jelling in win-now mode” as the division’s potential X-factor for 2025-26.
Togetherness of Steelers’ Offense ‘Could Be the Difference’ in AFC North
How quickly everyone gets up to speed and on the same page is critical, says Moton.
“Thus far, Pittsburgh hasn’t brought in any notable veterans who played with Rodgers in Green Bay, unlike the New York Jets did after acquiring him,” Moton wrote. “The 21-year veteran must build a rapport with new faces as the Steelers try to give him an effective ground attack. Rodgers told ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ he’s going to work with several Steelers receivers in Malibu, California. His chemistry with that unit could be the difference between a push for the AFC North title and a team that hovers around .500 for another wild-card berth.”
This stop for Rodgers feels a bit different than his most recent one. The New York Jets made transactions to appease him, also fine-tuning their scheme to cater to his needs. While it’d be foolish for Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to not play to Rodgers’ strengths, he’ll also stay true to who he is. It’s a trickle-down effect that stems from head coach Mike Tomlin’s no-nonsense approach.
To this point, Pittsburgh has largely done things on its own timeline (signing Rodgers notwithstanding). Acquisitions such as wideout DK Metcalf, are moves for now and the post-Rodgers team. At the same time, though, the Steelers are trying to capitalize immediately. Trading for tight end Jonnu Smith (who’s excited to be in town) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey proves that.
Two Non-Quarterback Positions That Could Determine Ceiling of Pittsburgh Offense
Everyone knows the Steelers need to see improvement on offense. The 2024-25 campaign was their best since 2020, yet they ranked 16th in scoring and 23rd in yards. Per rbsdm.com, they were 19th in dropback EPA and 26th in success rate. That won’t be good enough to win this year’s AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens remain elite and the Cincinnati Bengals are always lurking with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
Two positions could swing things for the Steelers. First and foremost: running back. With Najee Harris moving on, more will be asked of Jaylen Warren in 2025. Rookie Kaleb Johnson could be the ceiling-raiser if Warren is the floor-setter.
Secondly, wide receiver remains critical, even with Metcalf being traded for. Behind him, there’s a whole lot of uncertainty. Players like Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson aren’t locks to be high-level contributors. All it takes is Rodgers developing serious chemistry with one of them to inspire some confidence in the offense, but that’s far from a foregone conclusion.
Training camp in late July will serve as a good look at how things are progressing.
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