Ex-Steelers CB Bryant McFadden Reveals Why Mike McCarthy Seriously Thrives At The NFL Combine

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting set to examine college draft prospects at the 2026 NFL Combine over the next week, as main on-field workouts are held February 26th through March 2nd. With new head coach Mike McCarthy entering the 2026 as his first year on the sidelines in Pittsburgh, this time period at the combine can set the tone for McCarthy's tenure in the Steel City. When McCarthy was hired, a lot of fans felt that the move was underwhelming and it was also labeled as a lateral type move. However, one former Steelers player elaborated on the benefits of McCarthy's experience during these times.

Former Steelers defensive back Bryant McFadden was on CBS Sports HQ on Monday and emphasized the value of having a guy like McCarthy at head coach ahead of the start of the 2026 NFL Combine. One thing McFadden mentions is that people tend to focus on the college draft prospects that are showcasing their skills during this event. However, he mentions that there are other discussions happening at the event that often get overlooked.

"Yes, yes, much so in my opinion. [McCarthy] understands how to navigate this week with the combine," McFadden explained. "He understands and knows how to navigate with the prospects and the agents who are representing these prospects. I understand the combine is the highlight for this upcoming week, but Brandon, this is where deals are made in terms of free agency in the National Football League. These are where these premature, early conversations happen there in Indy with head coaches talking to agents."

These comments by McFadden magnify the value of what this week could hold in store for the Steelers as they look to re-tool heading into 2026. The Steelers have a need for at least one playmaker on the offensive side of the ball at the wide receiver position. A third wide receiver would be even better to help elevate a Steelers offense that desperately needs it. 

Pittsburgh has somewhere near $45 million available in cap space they can use ahead of the 2026 season. While they have been rumored as potential trade suitors for a couple of wide receivers around the NFL, they could also look to add in the 2026 NFL Draft as well. With the cap space available and someone like McCarthy who is experienced with how conversations go at the combine, this could allow him to gauge what the market may be like for some free agent wide receivers as well.

DK Metcalf had an underwhelming start to his Steelers career in 2025, as he failed to reach 1,000 yards receiving. Metcalf also was easy to key in on for opposing defenses, as he was the only true big play threat wide receiver for Pittsburgh in 2025. If the Steelers want to quickly turn things around with McCarthy and not commit to a rebuild, they will need to fill the glaring void at the wide receiver position.

Steelers' McCarthy's Previous Experience Could Prove Huge

McCarthy found success in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, as well as the Dallas Cowboys. He also has coached some great NFL quarterbacks in the past, including Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, Brett Favre, and Joe Montana. This is one potentially key situation for McCarthy as the Steelers' new head coach, rather than the trendy hires you typically see across the league with up-and-coming coordinators taking over. McCarthy has had plenty of years of experience at combines and knows exactly the types of conversations that could be had while there.

While the sexier choices for head coach like Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, and others were not the direction the Steelers went, this is one situation in which McCarthy has a leg up on those guys. With nearly 20 years of NFL head coaching experience, McCarthy has a clear advantage to the aforementioned guys that had been linked to the Steelers. This is a big chance for McCarthy to make a great impact ahead of the 2026 season for the organization that often goes overlooked.

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