Steelers' Aaron Rodgers names multiple young players who need to 'really tap into their power'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting a big leap  out of multiple third- and fourth-year players. Pittsburgh has a promising mix of veteran and younger players on both sides of the football. Many people believe this will be the season players like Jaylen Warren and Broderick Jones could make a significant leap in their careers, as Jones has shown flashes of his true potential and Warren finds himself as the top running back in the Steelers' backfield for the first time entering the 2025 NFL season.

Pittsburgh signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal this offseason. He will be the Steelers' starting quarterback in his 21st year, with the veteran more than likely retiring following the conclusion of this season. Rodgers recently made an appearance on Cam Heyward's podcast "Not Just Football," where the longtime signal-caller spoke a little more in depth about who he would like to see break through this season for the Steelers. During this podcast, Heyward also issued a public apology to Rodgers.

Rodgers mentioned multiple players who could take a leap, as the veteran brought up some of the younger members of Pittsburgh's tight end room as well.

"When we are going to take off as an offense is when those young guys and second-, third- and fourth-year guys start to figure it out," Rodgers stated. "Start to realize, 'Oh, I can be a leader and it doesn't mean I have to step outside of myself personality-wise.' Or maybe just give a little bit more to this thing, and I think it's going to take off."

Rodgers continued as he named multiple young players who should step up in 2025.

"I'm talking about guys like Jaylen Warren, Kenny [Gainwell], and your brother [Connor Heyward], who does everything right and cares about it so much. And Darnell [Washington] and [Pat Freiermuth] and Brod [Jones] stepping up to be the stud that he is. I think when those guys really tap into their power, and I think we have seen some growth from those guys, then we have the opportunity to be a special offense."

The Steelers' tight end room currently features four talented tight ends. Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth have both been named as tight end ones (TE1), while Connor Heyward and Darnell Washington continue to prove themselves throughout the preseason. Washington is expected to begin the year as Pittsburgh's third-string tight end, but many believe he can quickly become a dangerous red zone threat due to his elite size and strength.

Warren has been the Steelers' backup running back behind Najee Harris his entire career until now. The fourth-year running back will more than likely have the spotlight on him for a good portion of the season, as Kaleb Johnson is a talented rookie who could see an increased role should Warren start struggling. 2025 will be a crucial point in Warren's career with the promising young back slated to take on the biggest workload he's ever dealt with. 

Steelers' Calvin Austin lll will look to thrive throughout the final season of his rookie contract

Despite multiple third- and fourth-year players hoping to step up in 2025, none may find themselves with a more crucial season in front of them than Calvin Austin lll. Austin is entering the final season of his rookie deal and may need to play his way to an extension during next year's offseason. Many believe Austin is in perfect shape to be a top receiver on the Steelers' roster behind DK Metcalf, as the fourth-year playmaker should quickly become a top beneficiary of Rodgers throwing him the ball.

Austin has dealt with injuries throughout the offseason. The young receiver recently returned to practice, however, as Austin was seen catching punts and practicing with a helmet on for the first time in August. The promising receiver is still not considered to be 100% healthy and his status for Week 1 at MetLife Stadium remains in question.