The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping 2025-26 is a season of change. That may sound strange for a team coming off consecutive 10-7 campaigns and trips to the playoffs, but fans and the club alike are growing impatient.
Enter quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Whether it’s a delusional bar or not, expectations for the 41-year-old are set at delivering postseason success. Rodgers, even at this stage, is undoubtedly an upgrade over what Pittsburgh has had. How much of an upgrade remains in question.
Either way, a key tidbit regarding Rodgers’ approach was revealed. Rodgers, known for being a polarizing presence, is taking every step of the process seriously.
Aaron Rodgers Reportedly ‘Added’ Accountability for Steelers Stint
In an August 29 story for The Athletic, Jeff Howe released his intel on all 32 NFL teams. This came after visiting 12 training camps and speaking with “dozens of sources around the NFL.”
According to Howe’s sources, Rodgers is being more accountable than ever.
“Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has added a level of accountability on the practice field and in the facility, according to sources around the team,” Howe wrote. “The offense appears to still be working through some things, as there’s been a lot of turnover at key positions, but Rodgers has been intentional about teaching as much as possible after each play. Don’t be shocked if it’s bumpy out of the gate. However, it’s fair to be cautiously optimistic that Rodgers, wideout DK Metcalf and company will eventually find their rhythm.”
If true, this is downright massive news for the Steelers. Rodgers’ former teammates have long held mixed opinions on his leadership. Davante Adams, for example, glows about one of his closest on and off-field friends. Others aren’t as positive. That even extends to ex-players who are now media members.
Someone like Ryan Clark, who didn’t play with Rodgers but was a longtime member of the Steelers, is a prime representation of that. He doesn’t have a great relationship with the future Hall of Fame man. His recent visit to the facility didn’t do anything to change that.
Ahead of what could be his final season, Rodgers is moving with the purest of intentions. Another point for the more positive camp is a strong sign. A real game has yet to be played, but that can’t be viewed as anything but a plus for the Steelers.
Does Pittsburgh Need to Acquire a Wide Receiver This Season?
Rodgers’ eagerness to teach might be put to the test early on. After all, Metcalf is his leading target and is still brand new to the team. So is someone like tight end Jonnu Smith, who was acquired during the offseason. Rodgers is building chemistry with weapons he’s never played with before. It isn’t the Rodgers-and-friends offense that the New York Jets built, carrying both Adams and Allen Lazard at receiver.
Whether the Steelers have enough talent at wideout is a big-time conundrum. With Week 1 on the horizon, there’s no denying Metcalf’s rank on the depth chart. Behind him, Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin have raved about the talent of Roman Wilson. That has yet to be translated to in-game production, though. Wilson recorded no statistics in 2024, his rookie effort.
Calvin Austin III emerged as a surprise of the Steelers’ offseason, then an abdominal injury slowed him down. Coming off a 548-yard campaign, he has a solid foundation to build on. Rodgers appears to be fond of veteran Scotty Miller, who locked up a roster spot with a very strong preseason display.
Still, a viable No. 2 target would be nice. Many are urging the team to make a move for one. That’d raise the ceiling of the offense, albeit with more pressure placed on Rodgers to help said player adjust on the fly.
Entering his 21st NFL season, he seems more open than ever to whatever the next handful of months will bring.
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