NFL
Season Outlook:
Pittsburgh is feeling something unfamiliar: change. For a franchise that's had three head coaches since 1969, Mike Tomlin is gone after 19 consecutive non-losing seasons – replaced by Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy. The former Packers and Cowboys coach reunites with Aaron Rodgers for what looks like the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback’s final season. Now it's on the players around him to get the Steelers back into January.
What's Changed:
McCarthy replaces Tomlin after a year away from the sidelines and likely is the reason why Rodgers is back at age 42. Pittsburgh was busy this offseason, signing cornerback Jamel Dean, signing running back Rico Dowdle, and trading for Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with D.K. Metcalf. The Steelers also addressed their offensive line needs with first-round pick Max Iheanachor.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
There’s a good chance this will be a year we see a revival of Pat Freiermuth. With so much attention being paid to Metcalf and Pittman, plus the departure of Jonnu Smith, it opens up chances for the veteran tight end. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, a 2025 first-round pick, missed part of his rookie year with injury but when healthy proved to be pretty disruptive up front. There is major upside if he has a healthy season alongside T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward.
Key Question:
How will the offensive line fare? Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier are promising with potential to reach an All-Pro level, but Fautanu moving from right to left tackle may have an effect. First-round pick Max Iheanachor and third-rounder Gennings Dunker could get more responsibilities as their rookie seasons develop. Collectively, giving Rodgers time to throw to D.K. Metcalf, Michael Pittman, and others is imperative. The run blocking must also improve. In 2025, the Steelers finished 26th in the NFL after averaging 103.3 yards on the ground.
Prediction:
Rodgers and McCarthy cannot summon up the magic from Green Bay. The Steelers stumble to 7-10. There are enough weapons on offense to make the aging quarterback’s final year relatively decent. But it’s clear that retirement is the best decision he can make at this point. The defense is where the holes will show up, and it'll be among the bottom 10 in points allowed per game.
X-Factor:
Pittsburgh’s defense should have an excellent pass rush with T.J. Watt. It’s the secondary that needs to come through. Jamel Dean and Joey Porter Jr. are coming off strong seasons. Will that continue? And is there another good year there from Jalen Ramsey? How well opposing teams pass against the Steelers will pretty much dictate how good this whole side of the ball fares.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 7
- Defense: 7
- Coaching: 6
- X-Factor Upside: 6
- Schedule Strength: 6