Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 Steelers WR corps draws Packers parallels from Steve Smith Sr.

Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers receiving corps has drawn an unexpected comparison to his old Green Bay Packers lineup: and it’s coming from an NFL legend who knows both eras well.

Steve Smith Sr., now an NFL Network analyst, raved about the talent Rodgers will throw to when the Steelers kick off their season in September. The former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens star broke down the group on his *89 with Steve Smith* podcast, drawing direct lines to Rodgers’ past weapons in Green Bay.

What did Steve Smith Sr. say?

Smith called DK Metcalf the “Davante Adams” of the Steelers’ receiving room. “Quick release, some passes down the middle of the field, some explosive plays,” he told listeners. The comparison isn’t just about production: it’s about the kind of matchup nightmare Adams became under Rodgers in Green Bay.

Next up was Michael Pittman II, whom Smith labeled the “Jordy Nelson” for this version of Rodgers. “He’s their guy who’s going to get in there and get into tight windows,” Smith said. “He can show you a little bit of speed, but at the end of the day he’s going to box you out.” The former Packers tight end was a reliable red-zone target for Rodgers during the 2010 Super Bowl run.

Finally, Smith tipped rookie Germie Bernard as the “Randall Cobb” of the group. He praised the Alabama product’s “sudden movement” that can create yards after the catch, a hallmark of Cobb’s role in Green Bay’s offense.

Why the Packers comparison matters for Aaron Rodgers

The personnel isn’t the only thing lining up with Rodgers’ past. The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as head coach in 2026: the same man who guided Rodgers to his lone Super Bowl win in 2010. That reunion adds weight to Pittsburgh’s roster overhaul and raises expectations for a quick turnaround under center.

Rodgers himself has framed 2026 as his final season, posting a “last rodeo” message on Instagram. His veteran presence, paired with a revamped receiving corps and a familiar face on the sidelines, gives the Steelers a blend of continuity and fresh firepower.

What comes next for Rodgers and the Steelers

The Steelers open their 2026 campaign with Rodgers at the helm, Metcalf and Pittman flanking him, and Bernard stepping into a bigger role as a rookie. The coaching staff’s familiarity with Rodgers’ tendencies could shorten the learning curve for the new weapons.

Smith’s comparisons aren’t just flattery: they’re a blueprint. If the Steelers’ receivers replicate the chemistry Adams, Nelson and Cobb had with Rodgers, Pittsburgh could surprise in the AFC North. The roster now has the pieces. The question is whether the execution matches the talent when the games count in September.