The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this offseason, shaking things up with hopes of finally breaking through in the postseason after a challenging decade. The big news?
Mike McCarthy has taken the reins as head coach following Mike Tomlin's departure in January. With McCarthy comes a fresh coaching staff and a roster bolstered by trades, free agency, and the 2026 NFL Draft.
Let's dive into the Steelers' revamped lineup and what fans can expect this fall.
McCarthy, known for his offensive acumen, will be calling the plays, stepping into the offensive coordinator role. Brian Angelichio joins him as the new OC, and together, they’re crafting an offense that, while not strictly West Coast, embraces many of its principles. This should give the Steelers' offense a dynamic edge.
Aaron Rodgers is back at the helm as the starting quarterback, reuniting with McCarthy, his former coach from their days in Green Bay. The duo, who once led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory over the Steelers, are hoping to recreate some of that magic.
Last season, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading Pittsburgh to its first AFC North title since 2020. But at 42, can Rodgers still elevate the team beyond an early playoff exit?
That's the million-dollar question.
In the backfield, Jaylen Warren returns, with Rico Dowdle stepping in for the departed Kenneth Gainwell, last season's team MVP who moved on to Tampa Bay. The receiving corps sees DK Metcalf joined by Michael Pittman Jr., acquired from the Colts, and rookie Germie Bernard. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington remain key targets.
The offensive line has undergone a makeover, with Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick taking over at left tackle and left guard, respectively, while Zach Frazier continues at center. Spencer Anderson is likely to secure the right guard spot, and Dylan Cook is expected to start at right tackle. Rookies Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker, along with Broderick Jones, recovering from a neck injury, could push for playing time as the season progresses.
Defensively, Patrick Graham steps in as the new defensive coordinator, inheriting a talented group. The EDGE rusher trio of T.J.
Watt, Alex Highsmith, and newly extended Nick Herbig is formidable. The defensive line is anchored by veteran Cameron Heyward, promising sophomore Derrick Harmon, and pass-rushing specialist Keeanu Benton.
The addition of Sebastian Joseph-Day adds depth to the rotation.
At linebacker, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson return for another year, but the unit has its share of question marks. The safety duo of Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott is solid, though depth remains a concern.
In contrast, the cornerback room is stacked with Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, Daylen Everette, Brandin Echols, and Asante Samuel Jr. Porter's contract negotiations will be a key storyline as training camp approaches.
On special teams, Danny Crossman takes over as coordinator, bringing his expertise to a unit featuring kicker Chris Boswell, who just signed a record-tying contract. Christian Kuntz returns as long snapper, and Cameron Johnston re-signed as punter, with no current competition.
The Steelers are poised for an intriguing season, blending new leadership with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Can this revamped squad deliver the postseason success Pittsburgh fans have been longing for? Only time will tell, but the pieces are certainly in place for an exciting ride.
In Other News...
Steelers Rookie Is Suddenly Crashing A Roster Battle Nobody Saw Coming
A seventh-round pick usually arrives in Pittsburgh with a long road ahead, but Robert Spears-Jennings has made enough of an impression early to get his name into the conversation. After OTAs and minicamp, an insider from The Athletic pointed to the rookie safety as a player who showed promising traits and could push for a spot on the 53-man roster in the kind of role the Steelers always seem to value, contributing on special teams while providing depth on the back end.
Spears-Jennings comes to the NFL after four seasons at Oklahoma, where he built a reputation for production and consistency across 47 games. His path is still steep, as it is for most late-round defensive backs, but the early buzz is notable because it suggests the Steelers may already be seeing more than just a developmental project as training camp approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Fans Wont Love This Surprise Trade Buzz On Defense
The Steelers are still sorting out what their defense is supposed to look like under Patrick Graham, and that includes a secondary that has already seen its share of movement. Pittsburgh brought back Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal after his spinal fusion surgery, then added Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker to a group that is trying to mesh new pieces with the teams familiar 3-4 leanings.
Now comes the kind of chatter fans usually do not love this time of year: a Sports Illustrated report casting Samuel Jr. as a possible trade candidate. It is only speculation, but it adds another layer to a defense that is already balancing health, depth and scheme changes, with any move depending on whether Pittsburgh thinks the back end is crowded enough to justify it. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Are Already Zeroing In On A Future Defensive Anchor
The Steelers are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft as they start sorting through a middle linebacker class that could eventually shape the heart of their defense. Among the names on the radar are Auburns Xavier Atkins, Texas linebacker Biles, Indianas Rolijah Hardy and Notre Dames Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, a group that stands out for athleticism, versatility and the kind of range teams look for when theyre trying to find a long-term defensive centerpiece.
Biles is an especially interesting watch because he once played in Pittsburgh before transferring to Texas, and he arrives with a strong production track record that will keep evaluators paying attention. Hardy brings a different kind of profile, with impact plays that raise the question of how hell be deployed at the next level, while Viliamu-Asa already looks like the sort of bigger, sturdier presence that can hold up in the middle. For now, its just a scouting exercise, but it is a clear sign the Steelers are thinking about who might be next in line to anchor the defense. [Read more 🡒]