The AFC North has lengthy been acknowledged as one of many NFL’s best divisions.
The Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as contenders behind Joe Burrow’s management, whereas the Baltimore Ravens proceed their success with Lamar Jackson directing the offense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have remained constantly aggressive beneath Mike Tomlin, although they’ve looked for solutions at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
That search seems to be over with Aaron Rodgers now within the fold, and the expectations are shifting dramatically.
ESPN’s Peter Schrager believes this may very well be the 12 months Pittsburgh takes the following step.
“I’ve been very excessive on the Steelers the previous couple of days, so excessive that right now on First Take, I instructed they may very well be Tremendous Bowl contenders. The explanation I say that’s as a result of they didn’t simply make these strikes to get to the place they had been these previous few years, which is a pleasant Saturday or Sunday afternoon Wildcard recreation, after which get bounced out of the playoffs. They may have signed one other quarterback, or they may have gotten panicked when Rodgers wasn’t there; as a substitute, they waited all this manner, and so they did commerce a second-round choose and paid DK Metcalf $30 million. These aren’t the strikes of a workforce that’s rebuilding, that’s the strikes of a workforce that sees issues occurring this 12 months with a window,” Schrager mentioned.
.@PSchrags explains why he believes the addition of Aaron Rodgers might make the Steelers Tremendous Bowl contenders
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— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 12, 2025
The Steelers might have pursued different obtainable quarterbacks throughout free company however remained affected person of their pursuit of Rodgers regardless of minimal communication from the veteran sign caller.
Their dedication prolonged past the quarterback place once they acquired star receiver DK Metcalf in a commerce, signaling their intention to compete on the highest degree.
Pittsburgh’s protection has carried the franchise for years beneath Tomlin’s steerage, retaining the workforce related even with out elite quarterback play.
The addition of Rodgers modifications the dynamic completely, giving offensive coordinator Arthur Smith weapons he’s by no means had earlier than.
With Rodgers’ expertise and Metcalf’s playmaking capacity, Smith has the instruments to create a balanced assault that would elevate this workforce from playoff participant to championship contender.
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