Aaron Rodgers’ Tension With Young Steelers Receiver Exposed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added multiple weapons to their offensive unit this offseason. Pittsburgh signed four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth up to just under $20 million, and Rodgers will enter what is more than likely the final season of his career. The Steelers also acquired DK Metcalf in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks as well, as both Metcalf and Rodgers will look to become a serious dual threat throughout 2025.

Many feel as if Pittsburgh lacks depth in the wide receiver room outside of Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll, as the Steelers are widely expected to continue evaluating the depth at the position throughout the remainder of training camp. Austin, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is a promising young receiver who will look to make a major impact this season. The Steelers currently also have Roman Wilson as the wide receiver three (WR3), as he is entering just his second year in the league.

Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is a promising young receiver who will look to shine following an injury-riddled rookie campaign. Wilson has not been a standout player at training camp thus far, as the young receiver has reportedly struggled connecting with Rodgers. The veteran QB has reportedly shown his frustration towards the promising receiver as well, as he apparently "glared" at Wilson when the second-year wideout ran a route incorrectly in practice on Sunday.

Many feel as if the frustration amongst the Steelers' offense can result in a good situation, as accountability throughout training camp will almost certainly help the team improve as a whole down the road. Wilson may find himself slipping down the Steelers' depth chart however, as players like Scotty Miller have impressed during camp. Other weapons, such as Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, have been stealing targets away from Wilson as well. Smith, who was credited with a career year in 2024, is an athletic tight end that has the ability to play multiple positions on offense.

Smith is widely expected to become a major weapon behind Metcalf and Austin, as the former Miami Dolphins star thrived last season, despite poor quarterback play for the majority of the year. Wilson is expected to be a solid contributor throughout 2025 as well, as the rising star will look to bounce back after appearing in just one game his rookie season. With both Smith and Wilson set to be key contributors throughout the season, the team is expected to continue evaluating both players prior to the start of the preseason. Wilson especially will need to continue to make big strides in training camp if he wants to take that next step in his career.

Steelers' Offensive Line Will Play A Massive Role In Rodgers' Success In 2025 Too

With the first preseason game of the year for the Steelers just around the corner, Pittsburgh is expected to get a better understanding as to where the offensive line stands as a unit. Both Rodgers and Wilson's success throughout 2025 will be determined by the offensive line, as Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones will both play crucial roles in protecting the 41 year old quarterback. Fautanu, who appeared in just one game throughout his rookie season, is a promising young lineman who is expected to thrive during his sophomore campaign.

Fautanu was a star at the college level as well, as the former Washington Huskies lineman played a key role in the program's success throughout his time with the team. Jones, a first-round pick in 2023, is another promising lineman who has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his first two seasons. The former Georgia Bulldogs star has been dealing with an ongoing groin injury throughout training camp, as many believe the injury won't result in Jones missing significant time.