NFL executives and coaches give their take on Steelers offseason moves

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the center of the NFL throughout the offseason on more than one occasion, and the moves they made certainly made waves throughout the league. Of course, when people ask what was the biggest move made for the black-and-gold this offseason, it would be Aaron Rodgers choosing the Steelers as his team for 2025.

But with Rodgers many are wondering if he can still play? Were the last two seasons with the New York Jets a preview of the future, or were those aberrations compared to what Steelers fans can expect this season. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently spoke to several coaches and executives around the league regarding the big storylines this offseason.

Here is what one coach had to say about Rodgers.

“He’s still throwing the s— out of the ball, honestly,” a veteran NFL offensive coach said. “He’s the best quarterback they’ve had since . We will see how the body holds up, but I think he’s going to help them immensely.”

Speaking of Rodgers’ aging body, another AFC executive has questions about his overall mobility. In other words, will he be able to succeed in the system without his ability to escape the pocket.

“Look, the mobility is an issue, there’s no doubt,” an AFC executive said. “But where he helps them is with the plus arm strength and the field vision from the pocket. They haven’t had that. I’m not sure that will be enough, but the offense will be at least respectable.”

The other move which made news was the Steelers sending George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 3rd Round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. One coach in the league believes Pickens lining up opposite CeeDee Lamb will help.

“Dealing with CeeDee and him opens things up for them,” a coach in the division said.

However, there are those who are wondering if Pickens will stay inline with the overall plan, or if those red flags which caused him to fall to the 2nd Round, and get traded from Pittsburgh, will rear their ugly head.

Added an AFC personnel man: “He’ll be a big piece there. When he’s covered, he’s really open. I know the concerns are there, but I think having an already established passing game with veterans to help him along, and the fact he’s in a contract year, will help keep him in line. If you can tap into what he can do fully, his major ability will shine through.”

The Steelers are now preparing for training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA with Aaron Rodgers on the roster and Pickens elsewhere. The repercussions of these decisions will be obvious once the season starts, but until then the Steelers seem content with the decisions they’ve made this offseason.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold.