Two Steelers Veterans Are Poised To Break Out In New Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense fell flat often in 2025, and the team failed to play complementary football consistently. The offense put up 23.4 points per game, which was middle of the pack in the league, and they were among the bottom in total rushing and passing offense. The entire squad relied on forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them to remain in games. That way of playing isn't always sustainable, and the goal for the offense is to become more consistent and take the pressure off the defense. With a new coaching staff that is focused on the offense and a retooled roster, the group should be greatly improved under Mike McCarthy. 

The offense features plenty of veteran pass-catchers now, who will be reliable targets in the passing game. The depth at receiver was something that was a point of emphasis from Steelers brass in the 2026 offseason, and it was addressed heavily. Something that plagued the Black and Gold was a proper system that shared the ball amongst all of the team's weapons, and that did lead to some frustration, especially for star tight end Pat Freiermuth. 

Under McCarthy, the passing game should be a strong point, and with plenty of capable veterans ready to improve upon their numbers from 2025, there should be no problem with getting all of them involved. With the new offense, CBS Sports writer Bryan DeArdo believes that two of the Steelers' most talented weapons will have the chance to break out. He named them in a recent article he wrote regarding the outlook of the team.

"If there is a Steelers player who might end up putting up numbers, it's tight end Pat Freiermuth, who should thrive in McCarthy's offense. Freiermuth had a diminished role in Arthur Smith's offense, but he still managed to catch 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons. [DK] Metcalf, with more room to operate this year, could have a big year, too," DeArdo wrote. 

The two big-play pass-catchers should have a much better opportunity in this offense. Freiermuth's role was diminished in the previous staff's offense, though being one of the most consistent targets on the team since being drafted. Metcalf had a career-low season in terms of receiving yards, and with more help surrounding him, he should be primed for another dominant season.

Freiermuth had one of his worst seasons in 2025. His bread and butter, the middle of the field, was not often attacked. He has a great skill set as a receiver, finding the soft spots in zone coverage and going to the right spot when his quarterback is trying to extend plays. The Steelers have an exciting tight end room, and he should be a premier target. The former second-round pick should be in for more volume in McCarthy's scheme, considering he once was one of the most productive at his position. 

As for Metcalf, he faced many double- and triple-teams on his routes. He was the best outside threat that the Steelers had in 2025, and with the lack of depth behind him, he was a main attraction for defenses to focus on. With the additions of multiple complementary receivers, there should be fewer eyes on him, which will create more favorable one-on-one matchups that he can exploit. Metcalf can make splash plays, and those will come more often with a new offense and better help. 

The Steelers' Offense Needs To Flip The Script

The offense hasn't been a strength in a while. The defense often bailed out the other side of the ball and created turnovers that put the unit in good positions to score. The offense needs to create its own points and be efficient for Pittsburgh to get to where it wants to be. 

If these two vets can both have a resurgent year, the unit should be in great shape. They'll have better opportunities to do that now, and could be on the radar for huge campaigns. 

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