ESPN analyst Dan Graziano expressed skepticism about the idea that Aaron Rodgers‘ arrival will suddenly turn the Pittsburgh Steelers into Super Bowl contenders. Speaking on Monday, Graziano warned that expecting the four-time MVP to immediately elevate the AFC North team’s championship chances may be misguided.
He highlighted multiple challenges the Steelers face beyond the quarterback position, emphasizing that Rodgers alone cannot overcome the team‘s existing weaknesses.
Steelers’ Offensive Concerns Limit Rodgers’ Immediate Influence
In the 2024 season, the Steelers struggled offensively, allowing 49 sacks and ranking 23rd in yards per game with 319.4. Although they acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf this offseason—a player who has averaged 73 catches annually—other receiving targets remain limited. With George Pickens now with the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh lacks a receiver surpassing 1,000 yards.
Last year, Rodgers’ performance with the New York Jets was below expectations, as the team finished 5-12 and he missed much of the season recovering from an Achilles injury.
“He (Rodgers) didn’t make the Jets instant contenders,” Graziano said (02:20), via “Get Up.” “But yes, he’s 41, gonna be 42 by the end of the year and this is not a team that was like plug in a quarterback and now you have a contender, they have question marks on the offensive line, they have one receiver that has averaged 73 catches a year in his NFL career.” —Dan Graziano, ESPN Analyst
Defensive Challenges and Contract Issues Compound Steelers’ Struggles
The Steelers’ aging defense also raises concerns, with an average age around 28 to 29, making it one of the oldest units in the league. Key defender T.J. Watt remains in a contract dispute and missed the team’s mandatory minicamp. This situation draws parallels to the Cincinnati Bengals’ similar holdout with Trey Hendrickson, which has not prompted major backlash.
“They (the Steelers) have a defense that’s average age is like 28 or 29, probably one of the older defenses in the league and by the way they’re having the exact same problem with T.J,” Graziano said (02:40). “Watt as the Bengals are having with Trey Hendrickson and nobody’s getting on their case about it, I think Pittsburgh could be in for a rough one.” —Dan Graziano, ESPN Analyst
Concerns Over Chemistry Between Aaron Rodgers and Coach Mike Tomlin
Questions have emerged about whether Aaron Rodgers and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin can form a productive partnership. Reports indicate potential friction, mirroring the strained relationships that contributed to Rodgers’ exit from both the Jets and the Green Bay Packers.
Tomlin previously struggled to maximize the output of former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, who threw under 2,500 yards in both 2022 and 2023. Rodgers himself has not posted a winning record as a starter since 2021, when he went 13-3.
Outlook for Steelers’ Hopes With Rodgers on Roster
While Aaron Rodgers brings extensive experience and accolades to Pittsburgh, the team faces multiple hurdles that could limit his ability to instantly transform their Super Bowl chances. Offensive line issues, limited receiving threats, defensive aging, and coach-player dynamics all contribute to an uncertain future.
These challenges suggest the Steelers may need more time to build a contender, rather than expecting immediate success in the 2024 season.