Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf were both big Pittsburgh Steelers acquisitions last offseason. While they had their moments in 2025, it felt like their connection could’ve been better. The Steelers’ offense sputtered at times, and Rodgers-to-Metcalf wasn’t as impactful as the team had hoped.

Kyle Brandt believes that needs to change in 2026.

“I think Rodgers and DK need to be spectacular this year,” Brandt said recently on ESPN’s NFL Live: Back Together Weekend. “Not can be. Need to be. Not in the same block maybe as [Joe] Burrow and [Ja’Marr] Chase, but in the same neighborhood…I think this needs to be a prolific season for DK Metcalf.”

The Steelers seen plenty of Burrow and Chase, with the two of them playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. They’re also one of the NFL’s best duos. Burrow and Chase’s connection actually goes back to college, and they were a big reason why LSU won the 2019 national championship.

Rodgers and Metcalf getting close to what Burrow and Chase can do would be great for the Steelers. Chase has never had less than 1,000 receiving yards in a season since entering the league in 2021, even with Burrow battling injuries.

Burrow played every game in 2024, and that was arguably his and Chase’s best season. The Bengals quarterback threw for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Meanwhile, Chase had 127 catches for 1,708, yards and 17 touchdowns.

Brandt isn’t expecting Rodgers and Metcalf to reach those heights. Still, even them getting close to that is asking a lot. Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 games last season, while Metcalf had 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games.

Their connection flashed last year, but it was too inconsistent. For what it’s worth, both of them have said that they’re closer now. Perhaps that means they’ll have more on-field chemistry this season.

Even if Rodgers and Metcalf don’t get into the same neighborhood as Burrow and Chase, the Steelers need them to be better this season. They’re both huge parts of Pittsburgh’s offense. If they struggle to connect, the Steelers could struggle offensively again.