Steelers In For Something Big As Aaron Rodgers' Ex-Teammate Teases What's Coming For Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in the sweepstakes for Aaron Rodgers virtually all offseason. The Steelers clearly view Rodgers in high regard, and as options dwindle for both Rodgers and Pittsburgh, it seems increasingly likely that the future Hall of Famer could end up as the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2025. If that happens, it would be a seismic shift for the franchise and drastically alter the outlook for the 2025 season.

Not every Steelers fan is thrilled about the idea of Rodgers coming to the Steel City. Some are concerned about his polarizing personality and no-nonsense leadership style potentially disrupting the team’s chemistry. Rodgers’ presence would undoubtedly command attention, and his approach to the game—while respected—hasn’t always meshed perfectly with every locker room he’s been a part of.

However, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and current NFL analyst James Jones, who caught passes from Rodgers for years, believes the move would be nothing but positive. Jones broke this down on The Facility on Friday. Jones knows Rodgers as well as anyone and has seen firsthand how he elevates the players around him. According to Jones, Rodgers wouldn’t just bring elite quarterback play—he’d energize the Steelers' wide receiver room and add a winning edge to the entire team dynamic.

"Aaron Rodgers is probably one of the greatest quarterbacks of keeping everybody happy at the wide receiver spot," James Jones said. "When you look at Garrett Wilson, you know what he had? He had his absolutely best season with Aaron Rodgers. You look at Davante Adams, you look at Jordy Nelson, you look at Greg Jennings, you look at myself, the best seasons came with Aaron Rodgers."

Jones first pointed out that Rodgers has elevated every wide receiver he’s played with throughout his career. While that’s undeniable, the lingering question is whether Rodgers, at 41 years old, can still have that same impact. 

His talent and experience are unquestioned, but age and durability remain factors as the Steelers consider making him their quarterback.

"I don't mind the callout if we all out here trying to win and do our job," Jones said. "When he called the young fellas out, the young fellas was learning a whole new offense with Aaron and they weren't where they [were] supposed to be. To me, that's not bad."

Jones also addressed Rodgers' tendency to call out teammates, a trait that has sparked controversy over the years. While some view it as divisive, Jones sees it as a positive. He believes Rodgers’ demanding leadership style holds players accountable and ultimately makes the team better—something he thinks could be a major asset for the Steelers. 

The Steelers’ wide receiver room virtually became lethal overnight. With George Pickens and DK Metcalf ready to take the top off any defense, having Rodgers throwing the football to them would be an electrifying prospect. The combination of Rodgers' precision and deep-ball ability with two physically dominant, explosive receivers has the potential to create one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league.

Steelers Experiment With Wide Range Of Outcomes

The bigger concern, however, is the emotional dynamic. Both Pickens and Metcalf are known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves. They play with passion, but that same passion has occasionally led to frustration on the sidelines. Pairing them with a demanding quarterback like Rodgers—who is quick to call out mistakes and holds receivers to high standards—could be volatile. It’s a chemistry experiment with a wide range of possible outcomes.

Jones, though, doesn’t view that as a red flag. In his eyes, Rodgers’ accountability isn’t about tearing players down—it’s about pushing them to their full potential. If Pickens and Metcalf embrace that challenge, Jones believes they could reach new heights in their careers. The key will be whether the Steelers' locker room culture can support that kind of intense, no-nonsense leadership without fracturing under pressure.