"2 More Years Away": Steelers Reporter Doesn't Believe Super Bowl Window Is Open Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. Over the past few years, the team has found itself remaining competitive with veteran quarterbacks and a reliable defense. However, this hasn't resulted in postseason success in nearly a decade, and tied for the most Super Bowl titles in NFL history, they've not made it to the big stage since the 2010 season. The 2026 season presents a unique opportunity for the Steelers, as they've made some aggressive moves to address some holes on the roster. Also, for the first time in nearly two decades, the Black and Gold will have a new head coach, Mike McCarthy. 

The Steelers still have a variety of veterans, especially on the defensive side of the ball, who will remain the cornerstones of this team. However, there is a new youth movement that will reinvigorate parts of the squad. The 2023 draft class was among the better drafts of recent memory, and Pittsburgh found multiple key starters. General Manager Omar Khan has been able to hit on a lot of players in recent drafts, and now the team is seeing the picks come to fruition with some of the first long-term extensions from 2023's class already happening. 

Every team's goal is to win a Super Bowl, and Khan and his staff are trying to build this team to compete now and in the future. Based on what he has done since taking over, and with how his drafts are panning out, Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter gave a time frame for Pittsburgh to truly compete. He explained why on the North Shore Drive podcast.

"I think the Steelers are about two more years away from having that window open up where enough of the guys that they've drafted at the start of the Omar Khan era have had time to grow and blossom into fully developed studs and stars in the league that carry this team, and it's already sort of happening," Carter said. 

The Steelers have made a conscious effort to build up various aspects of their team through the draft, even drafting positions where they're loaded. Pittsburgh has often gone for the best player available and has hit on some of its late-round picks, which has given them the chance to compete. 

Carter continued his reasons why the Steelers will need two more years to be a serious contender. He pointed out some young position groups that need more time, and Khan's draft classes will need to keep up their high standard. 

"You're seeing this offensive line play a lot better. You're seeing guys like Nick Herbig getting signed to second contracts, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington. There are already younger guys who are ascending. Joey Porter Jr., you know, you wonder about Keeanu Benton, but I think they need more of these guys to become top-10 players at their positions across the board. And then that's the kind of stuff that will carry you, whether or not you have an older quarterback or a younger quarterback," Carter said. 

Pittsburgh's youth will have to prove themselves, but already these players are blossoming into long-term starters. The Steelers brass will have to continue nailing drafts and re-signing their players in order for the best roster to surround whoever is under center, which has been a lingering issue. 

Steelers' 2026 Draft Was For The Future 

Pittsburgh is a deep team at most positions, and the 2026 draft saw the front office take a chance on multiple developmental players. This includes their first-round pick, Max Iheanachor, who looks to still have a way to go before becoming a starter. 

The Steelers know that they'll have to keep getting the draft right, and while they still want to be a contender every year, drafting some project players can help them in the long run. The 2023 class is the perfect example. 

#SteelerNation