"We All Remember What Happened": Steelers' Troy Fautanu Might Be The Most Critical Player In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line is expected to take a step forward in 2026 under new offensive line coach James Campen. That is, at least, the expectation among many pundits, who believe this young unit has had time to develop continuity and grow together over the past several seasons. The core of the group features Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, and Mason McCormick, all of whom are expected to play key roles in solidifying the interior. Then there is the Broderick Jones situation, which Steelers fans are still trying to fully figure out.

Jones is not expected to be fully healthy for the 2026 campaign, which could present a significant concern for Pittsburgh’s offensive line. However, it also helps explain why General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers invested in reinforcements, selecting Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and Gennings Dunker in the third round. Pittsburgh also added veteran Brock Hoffman during the 2026 offseason and continues to view Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook as dependable depth options.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo noted while speaking on the Steelers Collective podcast Tuesday night that many still remember how much Jones struggled early in the 2025 season, particularly in Week 1 against the New York Jets. 

"I think we all remember what happened in the opener against the Jets last year, where everyone got on Arthur Smith for having Aaron Rodgers have to get the ball out in 1.6 seconds," Fittipaldo said. "You know why? It was because Broderick Jones couldn’t protect anyone early in the season, and they were forced to go that route. They had to adapt their offense. If Troy Fautanu can hold down the left side, you’ll get better play on the right side -- that two seconds goes to 2.5 or 2.7, and all of a sudden those plays down the field are a little bit more likely to happen."

That performance ultimately contributed to former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith adjusting the offense, with Aaron Rodgers getting the ball out in just 1.6 seconds to compensate for protection issues. 

Fittipaldo also explained why Fautanu could be pivotal in 2026, as he is expected to step into the left tackle role in Jones’ absence and help stabilize the edge.

"I know a lot of people aren’t thinking an offensive lineman is an X-factor, but I think Troy Fautanu moving from right to left and being the blindside protector is going to be a big deal for the Steelers this year," Fittipaldo said.

If Fautanu can step in and stabilize that left side the way Pittsburgh is hoping, it changes everything about how this offense can function in 2026. And for a team trying to maximize its final window with Rodgers, that kind of protection up front might end up being the difference between flashes and something a lot more consistent.

Steelers Have The Talent To Win In McCarthy's First Season

That is really what it comes down to in Pittsburgh right now. The talent is there, the pieces are in place, but everything hinges on whether the offensive line can finally hold up long enough for this offense to operate the way it’s designed to.

If the offensive line comes together and the new additions settle in quickly, there is no reason Pittsburgh cannot be in the mix right away under McCarthy. The roster has the right ingredients, it is just about whether they can finally turn potential into consistent production when it matters most.

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