ESPN Analyst Discusses the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Potential With Aaron Rodgers

Recently, the Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth $13.65 million. He’ll serve as a solid replacement for Russell Wilson, who guided the team to the playoffs last season before being eliminated in the first round. The franchise also acquired star cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year contract for $10 million after he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Such strategic moves have raised expectations among fans, hoping Tomlin and his staff can finally break through and achieve a deeper playoff run. This includes insights from ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who believes this is entirely possible—not solely due to Rodgers, but also because of the strength of their defense.

Louis Riddick speaks on Aaron Rodgers’s potential impact

Riddick stated on First Take: “I think winning a playoff game is doable. I think defensively, they’ve got some ballers on that side of the football. This guy that they drafted out of Oregon, Derrick Harmon, on the defensive line, him and Cam Heyward have to be a problem,”

These remarks likely brought a spark of optimism to Steelers supporters. However, Riddick quickly tempered expectations with a dose of realism.

He added, “But I think their ceiling is capped. They’re not going to contend for a Super Bowl,” 

It’s difficult to envision the Steelers contending for a Lombardi Trophy in 2025-26. Despite their successful drafts, improved defense, and the addition of Rodgers, it may still fall short. Other AFC teams have also made strong draft picks, key free-agent acquisitions, and have a history of recent success to support their ambitions.

Considering how competitive the AFC is currently, Riddick does not regard the Steelers and Rodgers as serious title contenders.

Riddick mentioned: “The AFC is loaded. Loaded! There are some teams right now, I mean, it’s going to be absolutely brutal once you get to the final four in the AFC… The Super Bowl representative for the AFC is coming out of the West, and it may be Kansas City, it may not. Just keep an eye on them Chargers,” 

The Kansas City Chiefs are favored to emerge from the AFC once again. However, the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens should not be overlooked.

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