The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 season with a new identity, a new quarterback, and renewed expectations. After moving on from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the team made one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason: signing future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP brings leadership, accuracy, and instant credibility to a locker room packed with ascending talent.
Rodgers Era Begins in Pittsburgh
Rodgers steps into a Steelers offense that has completely reshaped itself. The most headline-grabbing move? The surprising trade of George Pickens. In his place comes DK Metcalf—a physical, explosive target who can stretch the field and dominate red zone mismatches. If Rodgers and Metcalf click early, Pittsburgh could quickly have one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in the AFC.
Supporting them is a reliable tight end in Pat Freiermuth and a backfield featuring the thunder-and-lightning combo of Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson. The offensive line, a question mark in years past, showed major strides in 2024 and returns largely intact. If that unit continues its growth, Rodgers could enjoy more time in the pocket than he has in years.
Defensive Reload: Slay Joins Watt-Led Unit
Defensively, the Steelers added a major piece in veteran cornerback Darius Slay. The former All-Pro brings leadership, instincts, and a competitive fire to a secondary that needed more bite after the departure of key pieces. With Slay and safety Juan Thornhill in the mix, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has more flexibility to disguise coverages and bring pressure.
At the heart of it all remains T.J. Watt, still terrorizing quarterbacks and chasing sack records, alongside edge partner Alex Highsmith. The Steelers’ front seven remains the strength of the defense, and now the back end has the experience to match.
Can the Steelers Win the AFC North?
The AFC North remains brutal. Joe Burrow returns healthy for the Bengals. The Ravens, still dangerous with Lamar Jackson, are the reigning division champs. The Browns boast a top-five defense and continue to improve offensively.
But Pittsburgh now has something none of them do: Aaron Rodgers.
If he stays healthy and DK Metcalf delivers, the Steelers are no longer a wild card hopeful—they’re contenders for the division crown.
Bold Prediction for 2025
Aaron Rodgers throws for 4,200 yards and 35 touchdowns, while the Steelers go 11-6 and win the AFC North on the final weekend. DK Metcalf cracks 1,200 yards, and T.J. Watt leads the league in sacks with 17.5. Darius Slay picks off 5 passes, and the Steelers return to playoff relevance in a major way.
