Quarterback play has been an issue with the Pittsburgh Steelers for several years. But some NFL analysts have questioned whether the Steelers have the roster overall to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025. New Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though, appears to have no issues with the team’s supporting cast.
Rodgers highlighted several key members of the Steelers roster, including both offensive and defensive starters, while appearing on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.
“There’s some guys you don’t know about that I think you’re gonna start hearing about as we get past this lull in the sports world and get into training camps and football season is around the corner,” Rodgers told McAfee. “There’s some real good young players that have got a chance to make a name for themselves this year.”
Rodgers was addressing the Steelers defense with that comment after specifically calling out safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Patrick Queen.
The quarterback also raved about his new top receiver in D.K. Metcalf and the Steelers tight end room, particularly No. 1 tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Aaron Rodgers Raves About D.K. Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth
Rodgers has made it no secret that he signed with Pittsburgh because of Mike Tomlin. But the veteran quarterback told McAfee that Metcalf played a significant role in his decision to play for the Steelers in 2025 as well.
Rodgers explained that Metcalf works out every day at 8 in the morning, which showcases the receiver’s discipline. It’s just one of the many ways he leads by example, according to the quarterback.
“The room goes how the top dog goes, and when DK catches the ball and finishes 60 yards to the end zone, it makes everybody else want to do the same thing,” Rodgers said. “You’re talking about Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson.”
Metcalf is entering his first season with the Steelers in 2025. The team acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 second-round pick in March (the trade also included a draft pick swap).
In 2024, Metcalf posted 66 catches for 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns. During 2020, the wideout made second-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl. Metcalf earned a Pro Bowl nomination in 2023 as well.
Rodgers was also very complimentary of the Steelers’ tight end room, particularly Freiermuth
“He’s a super talented guy. He can do a lot of different things; he can block at the point of attack,” Rodgers said. “He can split out on routes, he can run choice routes, he can run seam routes.”
Rodgers concluded saying Darnell Washington is an impressive runner, especially with his 6-foot-8 and nearly 300-pound frame. The quarterback also called Connor Heyward a “Swiss-Army knife.”
Rodgers Learning From Steelers Veteran Defenders
During his latest appearance on McAfee’s show, the veteran quarterback sounded impressed with the Steelers veteran leadership.
Most fans think of Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt as Pittsburgh’s leaders. They are the team’s defensive captains.
But Rodgers called out Fitzpatrick and Queen as players that stuck out to him the most at minicamp.
“What a high-football IQ [Fitzpatrick] has. It’s been really interesting just to watch him practice and then to have to pick his brain in the locker room,” said Rodgers.
“There’s a lot of great leaders. Pat Queen, I got to talk to Pat. I’ve played against him a few times. He’s a dawg.”
Rodgers giving love to Fitzpatrick and Queen is rather interesting. Fitzpatrick is a former All-Pro that has faced questions this offseason about whether he is capable of returning to his peak.
As for Queen, the linebacker was good last year, but the Steelers expect him to be great since he earned the most-expensive free agent deal in franchise history.
While Rodgers sending each a shoutout is unlikely to lead to better play, it could build team chemistry that results in overall better success this fall.
