Steelers' DK Metcalf Reveals Why A Successful 2025 Season Is Ahead Between Him And Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to avoid a ninth consecutive season without a playoff win, which is why they brought in two significant new faces in Aaron Rodgers, a four-time league MVP, and DK Metcalf, a 2x Pro Bowler. It's no easy task to be brought in by an organization that demands for postseason success, but neither Rodgers or Metcalf have had much of that in recent years either, which goes to show their urgency in the situation as well. The new quarterback-receiver duo between Rodgers and Metcalf is hopefully a lot better than what Russell Wilson was able to provide with George Pickens last year. 

Rodgers' 2024 campaign with the New York Jets did not go as smoothly as the two parties had hoped for. His 2023 Achilles injury certainly set him back and may have kept him from feeling like his true self until late in the 2024 season when he started to put up better numbers. Rodgers now comes to Pittsburgh in what could be his final season or two before he officially retires from the game of football. 

Rodgers didn't have as good of a connection with Garrett Wilson that many expected, but he and Metcalf already seem to be clicking in the month of June. The two have spent a lot of time together separately from the Steelers, and their workout in California together during the earlier portions of the offseason foreshadowed Rodgers' intent to sign with Pittsburgh. 

On Wednesday, during the second day of mandatory minicamp in Pittsburgh, Metcalf spoke about what stands out about Rodgers as a quarterback under center.

"How quickly he releases the ball and me getting off of the line of scrimmage fast, I think is one of the things that stands out first," Metcalf told reporters. "Also his play-making ability after a play breaks down, or him to distort his arm in a different way just to get the ball out I think is unique, and I think it's going to help not only me, but a lot of the receivers and tight ends in the offense."

Throughout his 20-year career, entering his 21st season with the Steelers, Rodgers' best ability has always been his accuracy and the zip he can put on passes. Rodgers has a very quick release, which is what Metcalf alluded to during the interview. Rodgers also has a history of making plays scrambling outside of the pocket, which is something he'll need to keep in his back pocket in the case the offensive line doesn't live up to expectations. 

Metcalf hasn't been with a quarterback as talented as Rodgers thus far in his career. During his time with the Seattle Seahawks, he mostly caught passes from Wilson and Geno Smith, who neither can throw a ball as effectively as Rodgers. Metcalf could be in store for a huge 2025 campaign with Rodgers giving him all of the targets. 

Steelers May Finally See An Explosive Offense For The First Time In Many Years

The Steelers really haven't had an offense that was threatening since the 2020 season when they started off 11-0. Since then, the offensive line, quarterback play, and offensive coordinators have been below average. However, an offense that is ran by Arthur Smith and has players like Rodgers, Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren, and Kaleb Johnson, could be what finally flips the switch for the Steelers. 

Pittsburgh's defense has been able to show up in recent years, but the offense has held them back from postseason success, regardless of what anyone makes of the defense's recent playoff performances.