Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
In two consecutive offseasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers waited months for Aaron Rodgers to commit to playing. The first offseason was a little more uncomfortable than the second, and Rodgers consequently didn’t have a chance to work with some of his teammates until training camp.
Pittsburgh’s center, Zach Frazier, was one of those teammates. After a late start last year, he feels much better about playing with Rodgers in 2026.
“The first training camp practice last year was the first snap I took with him. So, definitely a lot more comfortable with him now,” Frazier said Thursday via Steelers.com. “I know his language, I know kind of what he wants… It’s already miles ahead of where it was last year… He was with us in OTAs this year, plus we had a whole year together. So it’s a lot more comfortable this year.”
Despite the relatively late start, Frazier and Aaron Rodgers worked very well together in 2025. Rodgers was complimentary of his new center early and often, and after the season ended, he said Pittsburgh should consider extending his contract.
That’s not a bad idea. After becoming a starter on short notice in 2024, Frazier has been as consistent as the Steelers possibly could have hoped over the last two years. He’s remained healthy and been a force in the run game, and he allowed just one sack last season. He’s solidified a position the Steelers badly needed to lock down and figures to be a stalwart for the future.
Frazier isn’t the only offensive lineman who enters the season with good chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. Although they’re switching positions, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick were both solid when protecting Rodgers last year. He grew to trust the offensive line as the year went on, especially after some big late-season wins.
Considering his head coach and supporting cast, Aaron Rodgers should be in a better position to succeed in 2026. At least, that’s what the Steelers are hoping. A soon-to-be 43-year-old quarterback needs offensive chemistry and a good scheme to have any chance of success. If both live up to the billing, the Steelers can be a dangerous team. Frazier thinks things are on the right path so far.