Steelers Wideout Pittman Guarantees Success Regardless of Rodgers' Decision

New Pittsburgh receiver Michael Pittman Jr. confident in team's offensive weapons for 2026 season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting football players and a field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the raw energy and movement of the game in an abstract, artistic style.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the Steelers' dynamic receiving corps, hinting at the team's offensive firepower heading into the 2026 season.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is guaranteeing success for his new team in 2026, regardless of whether veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to return or not. Pittman expressed confidence in the Steelers' offensive weapons, including fellow wideout DK Metcalf, and said the team will be able to win either with or without Rodgers under center.

Why it matters

The Steelers are facing major roster changes heading into the 2026 season, with a new head coach in Mike McCarthy and uncertainty around their starting quarterback position. Pittman's guarantee and positive outlook on the team's offensive talent could help provide stability and optimism for the franchise as they navigate this transition period.

The details

Pittman, who was traded to the Steelers from the Colts, said the team is "waiting to hear from old man (Aaron) Rodgers" about his plans for next season. If Rodgers decides not to return, Pittman believes the Steelers have capable replacements in Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Pittman also highlighted the team's deep receiving corps, which includes himself, DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and running backs Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, as presenting challenges for opposing defenses.

  • The Steelers made a trade to acquire Pittman Jr. before the 2026 season.
  • In 2025, the Steelers won the AFC North with Rodgers at quarterback but lost in the playoffs to the Houston Texans.
  • Longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down after the 2025 season, and was replaced by Mike McCarthy.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A wide receiver who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2026 NFL season, coming from the Indianapolis Colts. Pittman is confident in the Steelers' offensive weapons and is guaranteeing success for the team in 2026.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who played for the Steelers in 2025 and is mulling a return to the team for the 2026 season.

Will Howard

A quarterback on the Steelers' roster who could potentially start if Rodgers does not return.

Mason Rudolph

Another quarterback on the Steelers' roster who could potentially start if Rodgers does not return.

DK Metcalf

A wide receiver on the Steelers' roster who, along with Pittman, forms a formidable receiving duo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're just waiting to hear from old man (Aaron) Rodgers and see what his plan is. If he's going to come back, then that's going to be great. And if not, then we got two guys that we believe in and we're going to roll.”

— Michael Pittman Jr., Steelers Wide Receiver

“But I think it just presents a challenge to defenses that if you're going to try to cover DK, then it's going to leave me open. If you're going to try to cover me, it's going to leave DK open. You try and cover us, it's going to leave Rico (Dowdle) and Jaylen (Warren) open to run up the field. There's so many weapons, and there's so many great players, even our tight ends and everything.”

— Michael Pittman Jr., Steelers Wide Receiver

What’s next

The Steelers will need to wait for Aaron Rodgers to decide if he will return to the team for the 2026 season. If Rodgers does not return, the team will need to determine whether Will Howard or Mason Rudolph will be the starting quarterback.

The takeaway

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is confident in the team's offensive weapons and is guaranteeing success for the 2026 season. The Steelers' new-look roster, including a new head coach and potentially a new starting QB, will be a storyline to watch as the team aims to build on their 2025 division title.