The Pittsburgh Steelers' theme for their 2026 offseason has been change. It started back in January as former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped away from the organization, paving the way for Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy to take over the storied franchise as the next head coach. His new staff, as well as himself, have plenty of work cut out for them as the franchise looks to win its first playoff game in nearly a decade. Patrick Graham joined as the team's new defensive coordinator for 2026; and, when looking internally at what needs improved, defense is a glaring issue for the Black and Gold.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham works with defense as the team practices during an Organized Team Activities (OTAs) workout in Pittsburgh, PA.
The defense has many veteran stalwarts returning for the first season under a new regime, including defensive lineman Cam Heyward. It also has the newly-extended Nick Herbig as well as TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith looking to wreak havoc up front defensively. One interesting wrinkle was recently discussed, as there could be a new look in 2026 that allows all three of their explosive edge rushers to be on the field at the same time, optimizing the talent level on the field.
However, despite having that kind of star power, the passing defense in 2025 ranked as one of the worst in the NFL. Pittsburgh finished 29th overall in the league, allowing 243.9 yards per game. NFL writer Nick Shook wrote about the changes for the AFC North ahead of the 2026 NFL season and discussed the challenges ahead for the defense as well as Graham's track record as a defensive coordinator.
“Pittsburgh's defense is paid well but hasn't lived up to expectations of late, finishing 26th in total D under former DC Teryl Austin in 2025,” Shook wrote. “Graham's track record isn't a slam dunk, either; in his last three stops (Dolphins, Giants, Raiders), his defenses have hovered near league average, peaking at 12th in 2020 with New York and bottoming out at 30th with Miami in 2019.”
One thing to note of his NFL experience as a defensive coordinator is that he did orchestrate a turnaround with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 as they finished ninth overall in the league in scoring defense. One thing that did not work in Graham's favor is that he did not have much talent to work with outside of star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. However, that narrative is much different for him now in the Steel City with the league's highest-paid defense.
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Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
Steelers Defense Must Live Up To Billing To Have Success In 2026
Given the capital invested in the defense for the Black and Gold, the players now have to live up to their expectations for the team to have success in 2026. One thing that should benefit them for the upcoming season is the return of safety DeShon Elliott. When he is able to avoid injury and stay on the field, he is extremely productive.
In 2024, Elliott started in 14 games and played in 15 total while forcing two fumbles and recovering three. In that season, he also had one interception to go along with 108 tackles and four tackles for loss. However, his 2025 season was shortened due to injury and he only appeared in five games last year with the Black and Gold. If they are going to turn things around in terms of passing defense, the status of him is going to be a big driving force in that turnaround.
Sebastian Foltz / Post -Gazette
Steelers safety DeShon Elliott puts his hand in the air and points while the team works out during a practice that took place at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
While Shook notes the overall work done by Graham in his time in the NFL being underwhelming, he will have more talent and resources in the Steel City. It may take some time for things to improve, but given the offseason acquisitions and a potential healthy season from Elliott, their passing defense is poised to improve. Should that come to fruition, it would turn out to be a success in year one with the Steelers new defensive coordinator.
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