The Pittsburgh Steelers are a weird team to judge ahead of the 2026 season. It is a talented roster that could be good, but the group is aging and the coaching staff is almost entirely new. There is going to be an adjustment period for the franchise, and their quarterback is still the oldest starter in the league. On top of that, the right side of the offensive line is completely up in the air when it comes to who is starting. This could be the year the organization finally has a losing season, or it could be more of the same.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers talking things over at practice in the summer of 2026.
Due to the age of the roster and the changes that have occurred in Pittsburgh during the 2026 offseason, it is completely understandable why a ton of people aren't very high on the team. The group won the AFC North in 2025 and the roster seems to have gotten better, but they will be playing a harder schedule in 2026 while running a new offensive system. A lot of change can be good, but it could take time to get used to. Former offensive lineman Willie Colon spoke about the team in Pittsburgh during a recent episode of Good Morning Football, and he is on high on his former team and believes they are being overlooked.
"The Steelers are going to be sneaky," Colon said. "They gonna be dangerous, man. I don't think people are giving them enough credit. Old man Aaron Rodgers, he has a lot up his sleeve."
Colon may be a little bit biased, but he believes in his former team. He also believes in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who isn't getting any younger. Rodgers was clearly limited during the 2025 season when it came to moving around behind the line of scrimmage, which means protecting him and wide receivers getting open is going to be critical in 2026.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
There is no denying that Rodgers' performance in 2026 is going to determine a lot of the success that Pittsburgh has, but to take it even further, it falls on the offensive line. Protecting Rodgers and giving him time are important, and so is establishing the run in an efficient manner. This will keep a defense on its toes while keeping the offense from being one-dimensional, which was the case at times in recent years.
It is going to be very difficult for Pittsburgh to run things back and win the division again in 2026. It is going to be hard to even clinch a spot in the playoffs. A handful of AFC teams had down years in 2025, and they should be back in 2026. This includes the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and even the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens and Bengals are the two favorites to win the AFC North, and Kansas City could be competing for the AFC West crown. It won't be easy for Pittsburgh to outdo what they did in 2025.
Steelers Have Some Things To Look Forward To In 2026
If the offensive line is able to hold up in 2026, things should come a bit easier for Rodgers. DK Metcalf is expected to have a better season this time around after the additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard, and it is expected that Roman Wilson will take a step forward as well. That is a much better group at wide receiver than what Rodgers was dealing with in 2025. On top of that, Rodgers also had a two-headed rushing attack in Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle that should be able to carry the offense in some games.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hands the ball to running back Jaylen Warren during Pittsburgh's 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
It is understandable why some might have an optimistic outlook on the 2026 Steelers. However, the odds are stacked against them. The tough schedule, paired with several AFC teams looking to bounce back, do not bode well for Pittsburgh.
What do you think about Colon's claim that the Steelers could be dangerous? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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