Aaron Rodgers’ return for a second season gives the Pittsburgh Steelers something they’ve lacked for years: continuity at quarterback. And no player may benefit more than DK Metcalf.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo, that continuity is already paying off in a tangible way.
“I think the chemistry between DK and Aaron is much better than it was last year,” Fittipaldo said Wednesday via 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show. “I see those guys working a lot together. I think Aaron is intentionally targeting DK in these team drills, and I think that’s one of my biggest takeaways — just how much better that chemistry is between DK and Aaron.”
The two worked out together away from the team a couple times last offseason, but Rodgers didn’t officially join the Steelers until early June at the start of mandatory minicamp. This time around, they have the experience of last season to draw on, plus OTAs with an earlier start for Rodgers.
Even with nearly three decades of experience in the NFL between the two, Metcalf admitted last year was a challenge and expressed excitement for having access to Rodgers earlier in the process this offseason.
“Last year, it was kind of a late start for everybody but having him two weeks before mandatory [minicamp] means a lot,” Metcalf said via the Steelers YouTube after Rodgers signed.
Metcalf had a decent first season in Pittsburgh, but 59 receptions and 850 yards is nowhere near living up to the expectations placed on him with a nearly $33 million APY extension. Part of that was the growing pains of building chemistry with Rodgers.
NFL film guru Greg Cosell even noted a visible lack of chemistry between the duo in November of last season.
“I don’t really see it right now. I don’t think they’re comfortable together,” Cosell said during a Bills podcast appearance.
The circumstances are certainly more favorable this year. Pittsburgh added more weapons to prevent defenses from keying solely on Metcalf, and the offense should benefit from the arrival of offensive-minded head coach Mike McCarthy. Most importantly, the Steelers finally have continuity, giving Metcalf a foundation to build upon rather than starting from scratch once again.
Pittsburgh didn’t pay Metcalf that much money to have him produce a career-low season in almost every category. The expectations should be much higher entering 2026.
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