Steelers Tabbed As Team Likely On The Brink Of A Disaster In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are an interesting team entering the 2026 season. The organization has been fairly predictable in terms of the on-field product throughout the decade, and this season is the first time that fans might see some major changes due to the coaching overhaul. Mike McCarthy brings an offensive philosophy to the team, and that could be good or bad. There is no telling what this team is going to look like as it takes on a first-place schedule after winning the AFC North in 2025 -- especially with a new staff and an aging roster.

The Steelers have done a decent job drafting over the last several years, so the franchise does have some younger contributors that should be around for a while. However, a lot of the players that are relied upon are older and nearing the ends of their careers. This includes players like Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Jalen Ramsey, and Aaron Rodgers.

NFL reporter Albert Breer recently did a video mailbag for SI's YouTube channel where he fielded questions from fans all around the league. He was asked about teams in the AFC that might show a significant drop-off in 2026. He first mentioned the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars, but then he talked about the Steelers.

"One that I think you can look at, and just look at the age of the roster and say, they are kind of walking a tightrope right now, is Pittsburgh," Breer said. "TJ Watt's in his 30s, Cam Heyward's obviously at the very back end of his career, Jalen Ramsey's in his 30s. DK Metcalf's got a lot of mileage on his body. They bring in a couple of older vets in free agency and via trade with Michael Pittman [Jr.], Rico Dowdle, and Jamel Dean. That's a team that's got a lot of age before you even get to their quarterback that is entering his 22nd NFL season. If you're looking for a team where it's like a couple things go wrong and they could kind of fall apart a little bit, it could be Pittsburgh."

The age is certainly going to play a factor for Pittsburgh as older players are more prone to injury. A decline has already been seen from both Watt and Ramsey, but many fans expect Watt to have a better season in 2026. The same can be said with Ramsey as he gets more comfortable playing safety, but there are signs for concern with the aging players on the defensive side.

The Steelers also have some age on offense, but the group on that side of the ball is an upgrade over what was on the depth chart entering the 2025 season. The group at receiver is the best group the Steelers have had at that position in years, and the young offensive line should be able to drive the running game.

On paper, this Steelers team is better than recent years. However, it is full of volatility and there is a chance that things can go wrong.

Steelers' Schedule Will Be The Deciding Factor In Any Sort Of Regression

As previously mentioned, the Steelers went 10-7 in 2025 and won the AFC North, which means the team is taking on a first-place schedule in 2026. Things will be more difficult this year, and it will be hard to punch a ticket into the postseason. The hardest stretch of the schedule is probably from Week 10 through Week 15, where the team will take on the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens. 

There is a chance the Steelers are underdogs in all of those contests, and that could very well be five or six losses for Pittsburgh.

What do you think about Breer's thoughts on the Steelers in 2026? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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