Steelers 2026 Preview

It's a new era in the Steel City. Longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down after another disappointing first round exit in the 2025 playoffs. They were thoroughly beaten by the Houston Texans 30-6 in Pittsburgh. Tensions were high amongst the fanbase after that game as yet again another season ended in the exact same way that it has for the past 9 years. 

But it's a new day in Pittsburgh as the Steelers hired veteran head coach Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, to be their next steward. McCarthy brings with him an entirely new coaching staff with the exception of QB coach Tom Arth. McCarthy has a pretty solid eye for offense in today's NFL and a decent track record developing quarterbacks, which is something the Steelers have been in desperate need in finding since Ben Roethlisberger retired. 

Not everything is different in Pittsburgh, however, as the Steelers will employ the same starting QB in back to back seasons for the first time since Big Ben. Aaron Rodgers is returning for his farewell tour, announcing shortly after re-signing with the Steelers that he plans to hang up the cleats after the season.

Outside of Rodgers, the offense should be improved. With a revamped offensive line that are definitely young, but also have a ton of potential, Rodgers should have more time to throw. The Steelers also made improvements in the receiver room with the additions of veteran WR Mike Pittman Jr. in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and drafting a really talented young receiver in Germie Bernard. 

Defensively, there are studs at every level of this unit. The secondary is vastly improved with the additions of CB Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker to pair with a talented rookie corner in Daylen Everett. Not to mention one of the best corners in the league in Joey Porter Jr. New Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham is working with the best talent he's ever had at this level and usually his defenses are in the top half of the league. 

Ultimately though, this season is going to come down to the Quarterback position. Aaron Rodgers showed last season that he is 42 years old, but he also showed that he can still sling it when he needs to. The Steelers will most likely enter the season with Will Howard backing up Rodgers and rookie third round pick Drew Allar at QB3. There's alot of excitement around Will Howard and with Rodgers being a 42 year old QB, there is a good chance we'll see Howard at some point during the regular season. If or when that time comes, if he can show that he can run the offense and run it well, who knows what happens in next year's draft at the position.