The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is going to look quite different in 2025. Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf are headlining the unit now, while guys like Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Najee Harris, and George Pickens are gone. As a result, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is going to have to make some changes.
In 2024, the Steelers’ offense relied heavily on their ground game, which was powered by Harris and Jaylen Warren. Of course, with Wilson and Fields under center, it was tough to rely too much on the passing game given their uneven play.
After a busy offseason, the team is hoping that will change in 2025. Rodgers isn’t necessarily the passer he once was, but he still figures to be an upgrade over both Wilson and Fields. And with Metcalf, the Steelers have a more consistent No. 1 receiver, which they didn’t necessarily always have with Pickens.
With this new look offense in place, it begs the question of what Smith’s offense will end up looking like. According to the man himself, it sounds like the Steelers are going to abandon their run-heavy game plan, thanks in large part to the additions of Rodgers and Metcalf.
“We didn’t bring Aaron in here and sign DK for all that money to go run the wishbone. We try to play to the strengths of our team,” Arthur Smith said per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
Story continues below advertisement
Pittsburgh is hoping the duo of Rodgers and Metcalf can lead their offense to new heights next season. In 2024, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns with the New York Jets, while Metcalf caught 66 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns last season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith will obviously hold onto some of the run concepts that worked last season, but it’s clear the team has high expectations for Rodgers and Metcalf. And if all goes according to plan, they could end up making a deep playoff run in 2025.
More NFL: Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Sent This Message In First Team Meeting
Featured image via Philip G. Pavely/Imagn Images