Aaron Rodgers is back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. However, the team's linebackers are a concern.
What's the issue?
The Steelers ranked 27th in run stop win rate last season, with Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson as starters.
Why it matters for Aaron Rodgers
Queen's performance declined, slipping to 61st among 67 qualified off-ball linebackers in PFF grade.
What comes next?
Wilson may make a Year 3 leap, but he struggled to fend off Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison for snaps last season.
The age of the unit is also a concern, with TJ Watt turning 32 this season. Watt's sack numbers have declined, from 19 in 2023 to seven last season.
Alex Highsmith delivered 9.5 sacks, but he's the subject of NFL trade rumors.
The Steelers will need to address this weakness to succeed with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
The team's refueling with new energy, but the linebacker position remains a concern.
Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy must help mask this weakness for the Steelers to compete.
The Steelers' run stop win rate was 28.9% last season, a statistic that needs improvement.
Patrick Queen remained an every-down player last season, but his performance was a concern.
Payton Wilson could make a leap, but his playing time was limited last season.
The Steelers' linebacker unit needs to improve for the team to succeed with Aaron Rodgers.
TJ Watt's decline in sack numbers is a concern, from 19 in 2023 to seven last season.
Alex Highsmith's trade rumors add to the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' linebacker unit.
The Steelers will need to address these concerns to compete with Aaron Rodgers leading the team.