The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in a completely new situation now that Mike Tomlin is gone. It is no secret what Mike McCarthy is trying to do, and he has Aaron Rodgers at his disposal on offense for one last ride. After the 2026 season, that is where things will really start to get interesting in this new chapter of Steelers football. With McCarthy in town, he has brought in a new staff as well as an influx of young talent and veterans. The Steelers had an exciting free agency period and 2026 NFL Draft and are eager to get to work.
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New Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy next to quarterback Aaron Rodgers during their days together in Green Bay.
Even though the 2026 season is quickly approaching. The future of the Steelers is still going to be a major talking point. McCarthy did not make the choice to sign Patrick Queen to a three-year deal worth $41 million or trade for Jalen Ramsey. With that being said, McCarthy is going to put his imprint on this team, and that could mean some interesting decisions to part ways with talented players. The first name that comes to mind is Queen, since 2026 will be the final year of his contract. Ramsey, on the other hand, will become more expensive while also likely continuing to regress.
Even though Ramsey had moments in 2025 and Omar Khan will keep him for the 2026 season, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly revealed while speaking on his podcast Kaboly + Mack on Thursday that he believes Ramsey and Queen will be out of Pittsburgh after the 2026 season.
"That’s a conversation to have. We will see what happens after the season," Kaboly said. "I can pretty much assure you, well I don’t want to say assure you, but indications point heavily to Queen and Ramsey being gone after this [2026] year."
Ramsey did a solid job in the 2025 season for the Steelers. Many viewed it as a solid and versatile year, as he was willing to adapt and move from outside corner to slot corner, and even to safety at times. He successfully transitioned into playing safety when needed toward the back half of the 2025 season.
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Steelers' Jalen Ramsey during a practice outside of Dublin, Ireland, during the 2025 season.
Ramsey racked up 88 tackles, with four of those for a loss. He added three sacks, four quarterback hits, one interception, and eight passes defensed. Overall, it was a productive season, but he is 31 years old and will be turning 32 during the 2026 season. That is why Kaboly believes 2026 could be his final season in Pittsburgh.
As for Queen, it is the final year of his deal, and there has been ongoing debate about how much of that contract he has truly fulfilled. Many Steelers fans believe Queen does not always get the fairest evaluation when discussed. However, others say he has not lived up to the $41 million contract, when Pittsburgh believed they were getting one of the best inside linebackers in the league.
Steelers Are All In On 2026 Season
Art Rooney II does not believe in rebuilding years, and somehow, even through all of the drama of the offseason, the Steelers will not be having one. McCarthy likes this roster, which is mixed with veterans and young playmakers on all three sides of the football.
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Steelers Team President Art Rooney II stands on the field while watching his team get ready for a regular season game.
Many are not sure what to expect, but the ceiling is high for this Steelers team. It could also get ugly fast, but the Steelers have set themselves up to potentially win a playoff game in 2026.
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