The Steelers made uncharacteristically bold moves this offseason in a bid to keep the contention window open.
The usually passive Steelers swung a big trade for elite wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, giving the team the true No. 1 target that has been missing for years. As a result, mercurial receiver George Pickens was shipped to the Cowboys.
The biggest storyline, however, was the addition of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to play quarterback. The veteran ended his disappointing two-year run with the New York Jets this offseason, and will look to recapture his previous magic now on his third team.
But, is betting on a 41-year-old quarterback to be elite the smartest strategy? Also, will the offseason trades for Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith pan out? It’s a complete unknown at this point, and as a result, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report has the Steelers as one of the teams with the biggest boom-or-bust potential in 2025.
Regarding the Steelers and their 2025 “boom” scenario, Gagnon offered the following:
Boom: An inspired Aaron Rodgers finds some of his old magic in his swan song, developing a rapport with DK Metcalf while a defense with plenty of top-end talent holds things down for a surprise AFC North champion.
On the flip side, Gagnon offered the following regarding a “bust” scenario:
Bust: A 41-year-old Rodgers confirms he lost it several years ago, establishes no chemistry with Metcalf (who is also adjusting to a whole new scene), and a roster low on depth talent produces a losing record for the first time in the Mike Tomlin era.
Both of Gagnon’s scenarios make some sense. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Rodgers find immediate success with Metcalf and an elite head coach in Mike Tomlin.
However, it’s also not hard to imagine Rodgers being washed, and Metcalf not being a perfect fit in his new home.
To finish things off, Gagnon offered his prediction for the team, and it’s not the most optimistic outlook.
“There’s still enough talent and experience here for the Steelers to post a winning record, but 9-8 is their ceiling,” declared Gagnon. “And for a ninth consecutive year, they fail to win a playoff game.”
Only time will tell whether Gagnon is correct in his assessment. One would have to think the entire organization would be upset if the team ends with a 9-8 record after all of the investment that was sunk in this offseason.
