The Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to roll with Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season. Training camp is just around the corner, and that would give the veteran plenty of time to gain chemistry with a set of receivers that he has never worked with prior to the offseason. With a lot of the other drama sorted out in Pittsburgh, all eyes will be on the quarterback and how he meshes with this new offense. There have been some glimpses of how he and the team get along, but real football will reveal everything.
According to Joe Rutter of TribLIVE, Rodgers spoke about what he did once he made it to the UPMC Complex to sign his contract. It was important for the veteran to approach his quarterbacks coach.
"I pulled [Tom Arth] aside and said I want to help you as much as possible, but I’m not going to overstep my bounds," Rodgers said. "If you want my assistance, I’m here, buddy. I want to help you."
Rodgers and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth were briefly teammates with the Green Bay Packers, so they already have somewhat of a connection. Even though one is a coach and the other is a player, the veteran passer is looking to help out on the sidelines as well and help the younger players develop, including at his own position.
This is not the first time that Rodgers has offered his services as a coach/mentor to members of the Steelers. Rookie quarterback Will Howard has repeatedly raved about how the 41-year-old has taken him under his wing so far in the offseason. Like with the Howard, Rodgers told Arth that he is available when needed, but is more than happy to back off if he ever oversteps his boundaries.
Rutter continued to detail the relationship between the two, and Arth gave his response to Rodgers offering to help him coach without overstepping.
"I’m like, ‘Aaron, please,’" Arth said. "That is going to be one of the greatest benefits to me, to all of us."
Arth is clearly excited to be reunited with his former teammate as the two work together to help solidify the future of the offense, even though Rodgers already said that he will most likely only spend one year in Pittsburgh. Having a coach on the field is usually a good thing, especially when he's productive with more than just mentorship. That is the hope for the team throughout the 2025 season.
Like with most veterans, Rodgers will likely get plenty of days off during training camp and practice during the regular season. However, that doesn't mean he won't be engaged with the team during those days. Whenever he takes time off, Howard would likely be the one to jump from scout team into the second-team offense. It's safe to say that the former MVP will be watching the rookie closely during those reps.
Steelers May Have To Rely On Rodgers' Teachings After He Retires
If Rodgers and the Steelers do a little too well, they may not have a chance to trade up in the 2026 draft to get a future franchise quarterback. If that's the case, Howard could compete for the starting role then. He could use what Rodgers taught him to give him a leg up on whoever is trying to keep him from playing in Week 1 that year.
If Howard gets to start in 2026, he will have just that one year to prove that he can be a quality starter in the NFL because the 2027 draft class is also reportedly also loaded with great quarterbacks. The Steelers have been aggressive as of late. They won't go two years without passing on franchise-altering talents. If the Steelers pass one year, Howard has a lot to prove in so little time.
