Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it clear they are fully committed to winning in 2025. They brought in Aaron Rodgers to stabilize the quarterback position, traded for star receiver DK Metcalf, added All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and extended T.J. Watt to a massive deal that signaled their urgency.
But despite those bold moves, NFL analyst Rich Eisen isn’t completely convinced.
“Will the run game be able to hold up? Who’s going to catch the ball from him?” Eisen asked on The Rich Eisen Show. “On top of it, can he stay healthy? The Steelers’ schedule is off the charts.”
Eisen’s concerns reflect some of the biggest variables that could determine whether Pittsburgh is truly a Super Bowl contender or just a team with unanswered questions.
The Steelers landed Metcalf to be their alpha wideout, but they still lack a proven No. 2 option. Calvin Austin III brings explosive speed and shiftiness but lacks the size to consistently win outside. Second year man Roman Wilson showed promise at Michigan, but his best work came from the slot, where he used his quickness to create mismatches.
Jonnu Smith will provide a reliable option at tight end, but his impact will likely come from inside formations or off play-action rather than as a downfield perimeter threat.
The top passing attacks in today’s NFL feature more than just one elite receiver. The Eagles have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Bengals roll out Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Vikings have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Without a reliable second option to complement Metcalf, Pittsburgh may struggle to match the firepower of the league’s best.
Rodgers will turn 42 during the season and tore his Achilles tear just two seasons ago. While he looked solid in action last year, expecting him to stay healthy for a full season is a major gamble, especially behind an offensive line that has had trouble protecting its quarterbacks in recent years.
If Rodgers were to go down, the Steelers would have to rely on a backup to keep their postseason hopes alive. That’s a tall order for a team that is clearly betting everything on one man.
Jaylen Warren will be the lead back, and rookie Kaleb Johnson is expected to play a significant role. However, Warren has proven to be a tough, dynamic runner, but he has yet to carry the load across a full NFL season. It will be interesting to see how their backfield holds up throughout the season. A stronger passing game might help open up running lanes, but the offensive line will have to improve if the Steelers hope to build a consistent ground attack.
Pittsburgh plays in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, where every AFC North opponent is a challenge. They also face heavyweight contenders like the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions. There will be no easy stretches and little room for slow starts.
The Steelers’ offseason moves were aggressive and ambitious. Their approach left no doubt that they believe their...
