As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the upcoming NFL season, head coach Mike Tomlin is contemplating key receiver moves to bolster quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ offense. With Rodgers known for favoring familiar targets, his long-time connection with receiver Allen Lazard has sparked speculation about a possible trade involving Lazard to reunite the duo in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers first noticed Lazard during the Green Bay Packers’ 2019 training camp, when Lazard’s standout catches drew Rodgers’ attention from across the practice fields. This initial recognition led to a close partnership, first in Green Bay and later with the New York Jets, where the two appeared in 69 games together, combining for 207 receptions, 2,792 yards, and 25 touchdowns. Given this strong history, Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh has inevitably raised Lazard’s profile as a potential trade target to reinforce the Steelers’ receiving corps.
Allen Lazard and Tyler Boyd: Familiar Faces in Steelers’ Receiver Speculation
Allen Lazard’s possible move to the Steelers gained more traction following reports by sports analysts who included him as a trade candidate from the New York Jets ahead of the 2025 season. Lazard’s close relationship with Rodgers is seen as a significant factor in his appeal to the Steelers.
However, Lazard is not the only receiver linked to Pittsburgh amid this reshuffling. Tyler Boyd, another experienced player, has openly expressed enthusiasm about joining the Steelers, citing family ties to Pittsburgh and respect for Mike Tomlin as reasons for his interest. Boyd told Pittsburgh Sports Now,
“Absolutely. You know, all my family is here. I’d be able to have the majority of them be able to support me. I’m real cool with [coach Mike] Tomlin.”
On the other hand, Christopher Carter of the ‘Locked on Steelers’ podcast highlighted that while Rodgers’ arrival made the need for signing Lazard less urgent, bringing him in remains a possibility. Carter stated,
“As we can see, the Steelers didn’t need to sign Allen Lazard. Aaron Rodgers was coming. Now it wouldn’t [be] past them to still try to bring Allen Lazard in at some point.”
He continued,
“But obviously they didn’t need it to get him specifically in this instance.”
Building Around Aaron Rodgers: Current Chemistry and Future Needs
Today, Rodgers appears to be developing strong synergy with receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf expressed how this connection influenced his decision to join Pittsburgh, noting,
“He’s a big reason I’m in Pittsburgh as well. Conversations that we had and just the kind of person that he is.”
Nonetheless, analysts agree that for the Steelers to make a serious playoff push, the offense will need additional weapons beyond Metcalf. Given Rodgers’ age—turning 41 soon—maximizing every snap and target is crucial for the team’s success. This urgency has brought attention to expanding the receiver group with reliable, high-impact players.
Mike Tomlin’s Challenge: Filling the Gaping Hole Left by Injury
The Steelers’ offseason strategy encountered a major setback after tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during OTAs. This unexpected loss forced Mike Tomlin into action, seeking new options through league contacts. One significant pursuit is Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, who is fresh off a career-best season with 88 receptions, 884 yards, and eight touchdowns in just six starts, making him a very attractive target for Pittsburgh.
Initial reports suggested the Steelers had dropped out of trade talks for Smith, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter later clarified that Pittsburgh’s interest remained active. Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, however, indicated that Smith desires to remain with Miami and negotiate a new contract. Despite this, the Steelers’ available salary cap space and promising financial outlook for coming years give them leverage to make a compelling offer.
Financial Flexibility Supporting the Steelers’ Aggressive Moves
Currently holding $18.8 million in cap space for 2025, the Steelers are well positioned to make impactful acquisitions. Their projected cap space expands dramatically in future seasons, with $87 million expected for 2026 and $184 million for 2027. This financial muscle suggests the team is thinking beyond quick fixes, aiming instead to assemble a competitive supporting cast that could turn Rodgers’ potential final season in Pittsburgh into a serious Super Bowl run.
The possibility of coupling Smith’s dependable tight end production with reunited chemistry between Rodgers and Lazard could provide the multifaceted offensive threat Pittsburgh needs. Yet, the looming question remains whether the Steelers will commit decisively to these high-profile targets or hold off, possibly risking an underwhelming offensive unit.
Considering Aaron Rodgers’ Dependence on Trusted Receivers
Rodgers’ tendency to rely on known receivers brings both advantages and risks. On one hand, it promotes quick offensive cohesion as comfort and trust are already established. On the other hand, leaning too heavily on familiar players might limit fresh dynamics and reduce the team’s adaptability. For the Steelers, deciding how much to invest in reacquiring past collaborators like Lazard versus nurturing new connections in the roster is a strategic balance they must weigh carefully.
This delicate approach will likely influence their decisions in upcoming trade discussions, with the team’s ambitions to finally capture those elusive rings weighing heavily on every roster choice. For Rodgers, whose tenure in Pittsburgh might be short but impactful, assembling weaponry suited to his style and timing is imperative for his legacy.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect from the Steelers’ Offense in 2025
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office to see if they can secure the receivers and tight ends that complement Aaron Rodgers’ unique skill set. Success in these moves could provide Pittsburgh with the offensive spark needed to advance deep into the playoffs despite stiff competition in the AFC.
Failing to act decisively may result in another season where Rodgers’ talents are underutilized by an incomplete supporting cast, turning his possible swan song into a narrative of unfulfilled potential rather than triumph in the Steel City.