The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got an answer from quarterback Aaron Rodgers when it was announced that he would officially re-sign with the team on May 16, 2026. The roster is set, and they know who their starting quarterback will be in 2026. Rodgers showed in 2025 that he can still play, but he needed more help around him -- from the protection, to the pass catchers, and even the scheme. He will be entering a much better offense this upcoming season than he did previously. Though he is 42, Rodgers won't have to do all the heavy lifting, as he did in 2025. The players and scheme will be a big help.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a regular season game against the Dolphins in the 2025 season.
The team was able to address many needs this offseason, especially on offense. They made 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, seven of which were on the offensive side. Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan clearly want to ensure they don't lack talent on offense, something the Steelers struggled to do under Mike Tomlin. Free agency and the trade market was also a nice spending spree, landing Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle, two proven weapons in the NFL. Rodgers is very pleased with the pickups and even voiced his opinion on what he believes the franchise needed this offseason.
Rodgers recently spoke during a press conference following the team's second day of Organized Team Activities, where he was asked about the team and how he feels about the roster. Rodgers gave an honest answer, stating he thinks they needed an offensive lineman and a slot wide receiver. The franchise's first two picks of the draft addressed both of those positions directly, with Max Iheanachor potentially starting at right tackle, and Germie Bernard likely playing in the slot in 2026.
"I felt like we needed a lineman, probably at some point. They drafted the guy in the first round, I like," Rodgers stated. "I thought we needed somebody who could work in the slot, and obviously, Germie, being picked there, is a guy I think can do it."
Outside of DK Metcalf, there was no shortage of slot receivers on the roster in 2025. All of the wide receivers had a slot receiver body type, which was just one of the many problems in the room. Now they will have size, strength, and the ability to run after the catch. Metcalf and Pittman will be great pieces on the outside, with either Bernard or Roman Wilson to battle for the wide receiver three spot. Considering Wilson's history and Bernard being a valuable draft pick, Bernard likely has the edge.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard participates in team rookie minicamp at Steelers facilities in May of 2026.
One of the problems on offense was not the offensive line. Despite injuries on the left side, with Isaac Seumalo having a nagging pectoral issue and Broderick Jones' unfortunate neck surgery, Spencer Anderson did his job well when called upon. Dylan Cook raised a lot of eyebrows with his play too. Rodgers was kept upright for the most part, which made it all the more interesting that he saw an offensive lineman as one of the team's needs.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Should Be Better In 2026
Though Rodgers isn't getting any younger, and his play has certainly declined over the years, there's no denying his lack of resources last season. With the team's new menu of weaponry, it will be very hard for that to happen again this upcoming season. Not only will they have the wide receivers to compete, but the offensive line should be able to take a step forward as well.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Max Iheanachor walks with other offensive linemen at the rookie minicamp in 2026.
Though Iheanachor, if he plays, will likely have growing pains, he has the attributes to be one of the better tackles in the NFL. The offensive line will take a little time to gel, with at least two new starters on the unit, but they have plenty of depth to figure those problems out.
#SteelerNation