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 persistently 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 might be the yr Pittsburgh takes the following step.
“I’ve been very excessive on the Steelers the previous couple of days, so excessive that at this time on First Take, I steered they might 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 have been these previous couple of years, which is a pleasant Saturday or Sunday afternoon Wildcard sport, after which get bounced out of the playoffs. They might have signed one other quarterback, or they might have gotten panicked when Rodgers wasn’t there; as an alternative, they waited all this fashion, and so they did commerce a second-round choose and paid DK Metcalf $30 million. These should not the strikes of a workforce that’s rebuilding, that’s the strikes of a workforce that sees issues taking place this yr with a window,” Schrager stated.
.@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 accessible 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 after 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 fully, giving offensive coordinator Arthur Smith weapons he’s by no means had earlier than.
With Rodgers’ expertise and Metcalf’s playmaking potential, Smith has the instruments to create a balanced assault that might elevate this workforce from playoff participant to championship contender.
The submit Peter Schrager Makes Stunning Declare About Steelers appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
