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 underneath 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 yr Pittsburgh takes the subsequent step.
“I’ve been very excessive on the Steelers the previous few days, so excessive that as we speak on First Take, I urged 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 sport, after which get bounced out of the playoffs. They may have signed one other quarterback, or they might have gotten panicked when Rodgers wasn’t there; as an alternative, they waited all this manner, and so they did commerce a second-round choose and paid DK Metcalf $30 million. These will not be the strikes of a group that’s rebuilding, that’s the strikes of a group that sees issues occurring this yr with a window,” Schrager stated.
.@PSchrags explains why he believes the addition of Aaron Rodgers may make the Steelers Tremendous Bowl contenders
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— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 12, 2025
The Steelers may 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 underneath Tomlin’s steering, holding the group related even with out elite quarterback play.
The addition of Rodgers modifications the dynamic totally, giving offensive coordinator Arthur Smith weapons he’s by no means had earlier than.
With Rodgers’ expertise and Metcalf’s playmaking skill, Smith has the instruments to create a balanced assault that might elevate this group from playoff participant to championship contender.
The publish Peter Schrager Makes Shocking Declare About Steelers appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
