Overview
- Former Green Bay teammate J. J. Jansen told podcast listeners he finds the Steelers “not particularly interesting” and projects them as a 9‑8 type team despite adding Aaron Rodgers.
- Jansen and other voices say Rodgers played only “OK” in 2025 and remains trustworthy in fourth‑quarter moments but no longer projects as a franchise quarterback who can carry a team to a title.
- ESPN analyst Kevin Clark questioned Mike McCarthy’s ability to match Mike Tomlin’s leadership, raising doubts about how a new coaching approach will affect Pittsburgh’s consistency.
- ESPN positional rankings that placed only T.J. Watt among the Steelers’ top‑10 players are cited as evidence of limited elite depth behind Rodgers.
- Observers note the AFC North remains strong with the Bengals’ core intact and the Ravens adding Trey Hendrickson, so Pittsburgh’s path to improvement depends on clearer signs from Rodgers, McCarthy and roster upgrades.