While training camp is fast approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers pass-catchers are spending time with the team’s quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers. In an Instagram post by Ben Skowronek, a group that includes DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson and Pat Freiermuth along with Skowronek were pictured with Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
The pictures appeared to be in a ranch/western setting, with players dressing up like they were in the old west in some pictures. Last offseason, Rodgers had pass-catchers to his house in Malibu, and this offseason it appears the group bonded before training camp again.
Rodgers also posted on his Instagram with the caption Last Rodeo, a nod to his expected final season in 2027.
Rodgers’ post showed players paddleboarding, riding horses and hanging out around a fire pit.
Rodgers received a lot of credit last season for being welcoming and hosting players for film sessions and holidays, as Adam Thielen mentioned earlier this week. It’s unclear how this trip was organized and who organized it, but it’s a good sign for team bonding that everyone is getting together. While most of the players pictured are familiar with Rodgers, Michael Pittman Jr. is a new addition to the group and he appears to be fitting right in with his teammates.
It should be a big year for the Steelers’ offense thanks to the addition of Pittman as a veteran WR2. The inclusion of Wilson is also notable, given the hints of tension between him and Rodgers last season. If there was any tension, it appears to have passed. Wilson is entering a make-or-break third season in the league, and he’ll compete with rookie Germie Bernard for snaps in the slot. Building a strong rapport with Rodgers early is a good sign for him.
Other Steelers got in on the action in the comments, with Brock Hoffman and Max Hurleman among the players who commented on Skowronek’s post. Nick Herbig also commented on Rodgers’ post.
It’s not a surprise to see a group that was close last year spend more time together this offseason, but it’s always a positive. It brings positive vibes to the team when players make an effort to hang out and spend time together off the field, and it helps build camaraderie and chemistry. Players will be full tilt when training camp begins, and spending what little down time they have left together is a good sign for the Steelers this season.