Steelers Need To "Rip The Band-Aid Off" In Painstaking Claim

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs yet again in 2025, continuing their trend of winning records. Though they couldn't earn a playoff victory, the team has been in contention year in and year out. The issue is finding playoff success and a Lombardi Trophy. The organization has resisted a rebuild through its stout defense and by using veteran quarterbacks as stopgaps at the spot. Things are no different this year, with Pittsburgh getting quarterback Aaron Rodgers back for his final season, and the team loading up on free agents at key positions. 

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down from his position after a crushing Wild Card defeat to the Houston Texans. Consequently, the Black and Gold hired longtime head coach Mike McCarthy to fill his role. This move was a way for the Steelers to maintain their winning prowess by hiring a coach who has proven to be a winner. Though he breaks the trend of defensive-minded coaches with Pittsburgh, McCarthy is a Super Bowl winner. 

Not only did Pittsburgh hire a winning coach, but they were rather aggressive during the offseason in acquiring veterans who can help the team win now. The front office traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr and signed cornerback Jamel Dean, among others. The push to resist a rebuild is obvious, and the rest of the roster features experienced players at most positions. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes this will only hurt the franchise going forward; he spoke on the publication's YouTube channel. 

"It is an older roster in that the most important players, the best players on the team, are also the oldest players. So, how does that hold up? And I think with Pittsburgh, it's even to another extreme, you know, like where you've got TJ Watt, Jalen Ramsey, DK Metcalf's got mileage for a guy in his late 20s, and then they almost doubled down on it this offseason, obviously bringing Aaron Rodgers back, but also trading for Michael Pittman, who's into his second contract. Getting Jamel Dean from the Bucs, going and getting Rico Dowdle -- that's a team where I looked at it and said they look like they need to rip the Band-Aid off," Breer said. 

The team made some big moves to add vets at some much-needed positions. The aggressiveness of the front office has proven that they're not looking to rebuild. The Steelers' history is defined by winning, and it looks like there are no signs of stopping. 

The Steelers made the playoffs in 2025 as mentioned, with an aging quarterback, not many weapons, and a shaky defense. The franchise rectified its mistakes and gave Rodgers more pass catchers and addressed holes on the defense. The goal is still to contend, but while doing so, they drafted 10 players in the 2026 draft and have a young group of players making their mark, too. The roster has too many good veterans on it to scrap the idea of contending, and though they haven't rebuilt, some young players have already shown major potential. 

The Steelers Have Already Made Moves To Prepare For The Future

The Steelers had one of the oldest rosters in the league in 2025, but they've made transactions to prep them for when some of their veterans hang them up. One of the most recent cases was signing two huge extensions for two players who have made huge strides in their young careers: outside linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington. These contracts allowed them to retain two of the premier players of the 2023 draft class and lock them in for the future. 

Another case is at quarterback. The Steelers have two young quarterbacks ready for their names to be called, and currently undergoing McCarthy's "quarterback school" in hopes of becoming a franchise quarterback. The organization has done plenty to build their team for the future, and to contend now. 

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