Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is officially a Pittsburgh Steeler, and the long offseason wait is finally over. After two rocky years with the New York Jets — one cut short by a torn Achilles and another filled with underwhelming results — Rodgers now has what could be his last fresh start in the NFL.
He steps into Pittsburgh as the newest face under center, but he’s not the only big-name arrival. Former Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is also joining the offense and is expected to be Rodgers’ clear-cut No. 1 target. That pairing alone should get fans fired up. But one former NFL executive thinks another player may quietly be just as important.
Ex-Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum Shares Thoughts on Steelers’ New Backfield Addition
During an appearance on “Get Up,” former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the success of Rodgers’ Pittsburgh chapter could hinge more on the run game than on Metcalf. He pointed to Steelers third-round NFL Draft pick, Kaleb Johnson, as a potential X-factor.
“Kaleb Johnson is really the key here,” Tannenbaum said. “If they can run the ball effectively, then yes, I think that Aaron Rodgers has a chance of working in a really material way because that’s what Aaron Rodgers can do. He can turn his back at the line of scrimmage, play action, and then throw with great accuracy.”
That formula helped define Rodgers’ late-career success in Green Bay. His chemistry with Aaron Jones in the backfield allowed him to use play-action to hit big throws downfield. Jones took pressure off Rodgers and kept defenses honest. That balance made the Packers’ offense hum.
The Jets hoped to recreate that with Breece Hall, but injuries and poor line play kept the offense stuck. Rodgers barely got going in New York before everything fell apart.
In Pittsburgh, things could be different — if the offensive line steps up. That group struggled in spots last season, but the Steelers have made some key upgrades. If Johnson can take advantage of those gaps and provide a consistent rushing threat, the entire playbook opens up.
Metcalf will get the headlines, and rightfully so. But Rodgers will need more than one target to make it work. He needs time in the pocket, balance from the backfield, and a young runner who can take some heat off his arm.
If Kaleb Johnson lives up to the early hype, this Pittsburgh offense might just click, and Rodgers could remind everyone he’s still got it.