The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for significant changes in their offense heading into the 2024 NFL season, most notably with the arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This move signals an evolution for the Steelers’ offense as they adapt to life without key players such as Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, George Pickens, and Najee Harris. Head coach Arthur Smith believes the team’s offense will grow and shift based on the strengths of its new personnel, including Rodgers and recently acquired wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Robert Woods.
Challenges of Transition After Key Departures
The Steelers face the task of rebuilding their offensive identity after losing some pivotal contributors from last season. Arthur Smith, who has extensive experience managing quarterback changes during his time with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, conveyed his readiness to handle the turnover.
That’s the situation in front of us, I loved working with Naj and appreciated what Russ and Justin did, and George, but that’s just a life that we’re in right now. In the NFL. There’s turnover. It didn’t happen that way in terms of all the acquisitions, but in ’19 (in Tennessee), it happened in the early part of the year with (Ryan) Tannehill. We had drafted AJ Brown, Derek (Henry) the year before, but, Dion Lewis was playing in front of him, and so it felt like we had three new (starters). It was my first year calling it. In Atlanta, every year we had a different starting quarterback, Matt Ryan to Marcus (Mariota) to Des(mond Ridder) and playing (Taylor) Heinicke a little bit. So, I’ve done it before. That’s our situation, and we’re excited about it.
—Arthur Smith, Steelers Offensive Coordinator
Smith’s experience working through quarterback transitions offers hope that the Steelers can successfully pivot their game plan to fit Rodgers’ unique skills, despite the uncertainty from recent roster turnover.
Aaron Rodgers’ Role and Relationship with the Team
Smith has developed a personal understanding of Aaron Rodgers over recent years, both on and off the field, and expressed enthusiasm about incorporating one of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks into the Steelers’ system.
I’ve got to know Aaron outside of football the last couple of years, You’re talking about one of the all-time great quarterbacks and of the things he’s accomplished in this league. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him as a player, the relationship with the football stuff. Just really excited to have him here. It’s going to be a fun journey. I know we’re only a couple days in, but he’s been awesome.
—Arthur Smith, Steelers Offensive Coordinator
Rodgers’ arrival is expected to bring invaluable leadership and experience, which could inspire the offense to develop new strategies aligned with his capabilities.
Adapting the Offense to New Personnel and Strategy
The Steelers’ offense will naturally shift to suit its new mix of players and their strengths. Arthur Smith emphasized the need for flexibility in offensive schemes, depending on who is available and the strategic goals in place.
You evolve depending on who you’ve got, personnel-wise and strategically, things you want to evolve to, And that’s a lot of times how rosters get made. You see it through offseason acquisitions, free agency, draft. So when you put those strategies in place, we’ve evolved every year. You have to. A lot of times, out of necessity, we had a lot of different quarterbacks with a lot of different skillsets, and our job, especially as a coach, is to play to the strengths of your players. We have our foundation things that don’t change, but whether you lean into certain schemes, you have to adapt again to the personnel you’ve got. That’s what we try to do, ultimately, to win games and set guys up for success.
—Arthur Smith, Steelers Offensive Coordinator
The addition of wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Robert Woods strengthens the squad’s receiving options, complementing Rodgers’ passing abilities and encouraging a more dynamic attack.
Wider NFL Offensive Dynamics Highlighted by Other Players
Outside Pittsburgh, other teams are also experiencing changes in their offensive lineups that shape the league’s competitive landscape. Cincinnati’s offense is highlighted by its star trio — Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins — but younger receivers like Andrei Iosivas are making strides by embracing confidence and taking advantage of opportunities.
You see the confidence. You see the chest out. You see just how he carries himself, He believes that he’s like those other two guys. And he’s making steps to get there. In a lot of other buildings, he would have the opportunity that Tee Higgins has.
—Dan Pitcher, Bengals Offensive Coordinator
When you don’t have that same volume, he knows that when the ball does come his way, he’s got to take advantage of it. I just think you’ve seen the confidence grow.
—Dan Pitcher, Bengals Offensive Coordinator
Meanwhile, Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman recently revealed how close he came to joining the Dallas Cowboys before renewing his commitment to Baltimore, underscoring the uncertainty players face during contract negotiations.
I went through a lot of things with the Cowboys and all of that with my contract, There was a time when I didn’t know what was going to happen. (The Cowboys talk) were a thing, for sure. It was a possibility. I don’t want to deny that.
—Rashod Bateman, Ravens Wide Receiver
Implications for Pittsburgh’s 2024 Season and Beyond
The integration of Aaron Rodgers into the Steelers offense is set to be one of the NFL’s most intriguing storylines this season. With numerous veterans gone, Pittsburgh must redefine its offensive identity around Rodgers and newly added athletes like Metcalf and Woods. Arthur Smith’s history of adapting offenses to different quarterbacks hints at a nimble approach that could help the team overcome the challenges of a roster in flux.
If successful, this offensive evolution may restore Pittsburgh’s competitive edge and create a potent, versatile unit equipped to compete in a demanding NFL landscape. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how Rodgers’ experience and leadership catalyze this transformation as training camps and preseason unfold.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers friends?
A. Over time, Rodgers mentioned that he and Brady became friends. They both love the Kentucky Derby and would gather their groups at Churchill Downs, sitting close by each other. They also joined in The Match, a charity golf tournament held in June.
Q. How did Aaron Rodgers get so rich?
A. Over his 20-year career in the NFL, Rodgers reportedly made about $380 million, based on data from Spotrac. He also gained millions from endorsement deals with big-name brands. Additionally, he helped start the investment company RX3.
Q. What did Peyton Manning say about Aaron Rodgers?
A. “I’m happy for Aaron,” Manning mentioned. “It’s a great chance for him. You can’t replace real-life practice, and Aaron’s role in guiding the receivers is important. However, it’s crucial for the entire team to contribute too.”
Q. Do the Jets still owe Aaron Rodgers money?
A. Some people think the Jets will pay Rodgers $49 million after he leaves, but that’s not correct. This amount is from money already paid, which was spread out over future years for salary cap reasons.