NFL Coach Shades Aaron Rodgers, Steelers WRs, 'I Have No Idea How That Works There'

There's some uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers' receiving corps entering the 2025 season.

"Aaron has had good route runners around him when he was at his best," a defensive coach told Mike Sando of The Athletic. "I don't know who the route runner is on that team. Metcalf is like a bully, jump-ball, kill-you-in-the-red-zone guy. Truthfully, I have no idea how that works there."

The veteran quarterback could replicate Hall of Fame passer Brett Favre's resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings as a 40-year-old in 2009, but the rest of the offense still has questions.

"You are hoping for Brett Favre to the Minnesota Vikings, but they had Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and a bunch of dudes," an executive told Sando.

DK Metcalf will serve as Rodgers' top target in 2025, with the Steelers acquiring the two-time Pro Bowl wideout from the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster March trade before handing him a five-year extension worth $150 million.

While Metcalf and former second-round pick George Pickens were briefly teammates, Pittsburgh's No. 2 wide receiver role could belong to Calvin Austin III after Pickens was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys in May.

Austin is coming off a 2024 season in which he reeled in 36 catches for 548 yards and four scores. He's served as a deep threat throughout his two-year career, averaging 15.2 yards per reception last season.

The 26-year-old has reportedly made a strong impression on Pittsburgh's coaching staff in training camp.

Behind Metcalf and Austin, the Steelers boast several contributors that could be featured in their passing attack. They have veterans Robert Woods and Ben Skowronek, while Scotty Miller may step into a larger role after recording just five receptions for 69 yards in 2024.

Rodgers and Pittsburgh's wide receivers will have something to prove once the regular season begins, though.