Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers made it rather clear that he was intrigued to come back and play one more season for the Pittsburgh Steelers because of new head coach Mike McCarthy. But that wasn’t the only reason.
Rodgers explained when he spoke to reporters at offseason workouts last week he saw the team as competitive in 2025. On paper, that could be even more of the case this fall with the offseason additions the Steelers have made.
In front of the media, Rodgers went through specific additions he liked.
“I think we were close last year,” said Rodgers on May 20. “We added some good pieces. I felt like we needed a lineman probably at some point, drafted a guy in the first round that I like.
“I thought we needed somebody who could work in the slot. Obviously, Germie [Bernard], being picked there, is a guy they think can do it. Bring in [Michael] Pittman, was obviously a good addition.
“Rico Dowdle, Jamel [Dean] on defense. [Jaquan] Brisker as well, so a lot of good pieces added to the mix.”
Newest Additions to Steelers Offense
Rodgers hit upon quite a few of Pittsburgh’s newest offensive players. But there are even a few more that could be key for the unit this season that the quarterback didn’t mention.
The Steelers selected not one but two offensive linemen on the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft. In the third round, the team grabbed Iowa lineman Gennings Dunker.
Transitioning primarily to guard, Dunker might have as good of a chance to start as first-round pick and tackle Max Iheanachor does. That, though, will likely depend on Broderick Jones‘ health and other factors along the offensive line.
The Steelers also added playmakers Kaden Wetjen, Riley Nowakowski and Eli Heidenreich on Day 3 of the draft. Wetjen will likely make his biggest impact on special teams, but he could provide some snaps in the slot as well.
Heidenreich may help fill the void in the backfield left from Kenny Gainwell’s departure. Only DK Metcalf had more targets than Gainwell from Rodgers last season. Heidenreich was a dual-threat at Navy during his college career.
Nowakowski is expected to mostly play full back. The team’s full back/tight end from last season, Connor Heyward, left in NFL free agency.
The collection of new veterans and rookies, along with holdovers such as Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, should give Rodgers a better supporting cast this season.
Aaron Rodgers Didn’t See Steelers Offseason as Trying to Influence His 2026 Decision
As much as Rodgers likes what the Steelers did for the offense this offseason, he stressed the team didn’t make moves for him.
The quarterback told reporters the additions general manager Omar Khan made were for the organization — not to convince Rodgers to play a 22nd NFL season.
“I think they added them for the team, and not sure where I was at,” said Rodgers. “Mike and I had a lot of good conversations over the weeks. We talked at least every week if not a couple times a week.
“I actually was down in Southern California with Will [Howard], so I got to throw with Pittman down there. I’ve known him a little bit; he’s a Southern California kid. So, I always respected his game, but he’s a smart player. He’s got good hands, good catch radius.
“So, obviously pairing him with DK [Metcalf], I thought, was good for us.”
Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-6 record with 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions last season. If Rodgers can maintain the same level of play at 42 years old this fall, his supporting cast should give him a chance to best those totals in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers Delivers Clear Message on Steelers Before Final Season