During their media appearances, the Pittsburgh Steelers received word that new receiver DK Metcalf was working out with Aaron Rodgers, who is being targeted by the team. Obviously, Rodgers has not signed yet, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin repeatedly said that there is no timeline or deadline for when a potential deal will get done. The wait-and-see game will continue on for the foreseeable future. At least Rodgers is gaining some sort of chemistry with Metcalf for if/when he finally puts pen to paper on a contract.
During an episode of Kaboly + Mack, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly said that this workout shows that Rodgers will be in Pittsburgh soon enough and will be their starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
"DK Metcalf doesn't go and have a throwing session with a guy that may or may not be signed," said Kaboly. Is Metcalf not assured of who the quarterback might be? Does Russell Wilson sign somewhere else if he's not sure of what's going on?"
The best way for Metcalf to be ready to play for his new team is to develop chemistry with his new quarterback, although that can be a problem if it's not clear who that person is. Rodgers is easily the best bet to be Pittsburgh's next signal-caller, so it can't hurt to get on the same page early with him. It's not like Metcalf is just going out and running routes with some of these other free agent options. It's no secret that Tomlin is all in on bringing the 41-year-old to Western Pennsylvania, so the players know this very well too. They may have even been told behind closed doors that this will happen, which would prompt the new trade acquisition to go out and train accordingly.
It is also interesting to note that Metcalf is running routes with Rodgers, as opposed to Mason Rudolph, who is already signed by the Steelers. Whether he plays in relief of the older passer or is the starter himself, it's safe to say that he will throw a go ball to the newest offensive weapons at some point during the 2025 season. Those two could develop a little chemistry before the season starts as well.
Steelers Need Rodgers To Do The Opposite Of What He Did With Jets
If Rodgers wants to have a better, more efficient season than he did in 2024 with the New York Jets, he will have to do what he didn't do then and participate in the spring to make a connection with his new team. So far, he is already doing more now, which is a good start. He will need to keep that up and not let it be a one-off situation.
Rodgers also needs to show up for mandatory minicamps to develop chemistry with all of his receivers, as opposed to just Metcalf. It's a whole new system, and waiting until training camp in July to learn it and make relationships with his offense and coaches will only hurt the team, as opposed to help.
Waiting to sign only delays this process as well. As fans within Steeler Nation have been pleading, the deal just needs to hurry up and get done sooner rather than later so that the organization can continue planning out their offseason. If Rodgers has truly made up his mind, get him in the building to put pen to paper. If he has yet to make a decision, it's better for him and whichever team he chooses if he makes that choice now.
Playing catch with Metcalf is just a start. A lot more has to happen if Rodgers wants to endear himself to a fan base that has been void of postseason success in recent years, and it involves learning with the rest of the Steelers. If he knows he will be a Steelers, he needs to make it happen quickly.
