The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated campaigns in recent team history. This is due largely because of the unknown that comes with first-year Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy. Last season was filled with ups and downs, but it ultimately ended in an all too familiar ending, as the team exited in the first round of the playoffs. However, the front office used an aggressive approach early and often this offseason to add talent to the roster. As training camp approaches, a preview of what they may look like on the field in the upcoming season will be seen in Latrobe, PA.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy works with the team during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2026.
McCarthy did get to see a preliminary look at the team this past spring, as the organization held rookie minicamp, as well as Organized Team Activities. However, when they all reconvene in about a week, questions about the roster will begin to receive answers for the 2026 season. One thing the team will need to discover on the offensive side of the ball is where the splash plays are going to mostly come from.
It has been well known that wide receiver DK Metcalf had an underwhelming first year in the Steel City. Because of that, the front office was aggressive in the offseason by adding Michael Pittman Jr. via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and followed that up by drafting wide receiver Germie Bernard from Alabama. On a recent episode of Steelers Breakdown, team insider Nick Farabaugh mentioned Metcalf as the guy that will still need to provide those explosive plays in 2026.
“Metcalf has to have a less turbulent year than he did last year,” Farabaugh said. “I think that’s one thing, because he is the explosive playmaker on this offense. When they look for explosiveness, he’s going to be the guy that Aaron [Rodgers] turns to. They need him in a big way. I think Pittman’s going to give them a dimension that they just did not have last year. The underneath chain-mover that’s steady-handed, that can play inside or outside, has really great hands. Just the guy that can catch anything on 3rd and 5 and make it a seven-yard gain to keep the chains moving.”
This will now be year two for Metcalf, who was acquired ahead of the 2025 season. He missed the final two games of the regular season due to an altercation with a fan during Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. He'll look to also be smarter off-the-field.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver DK Metcalf (right) catches a pass along the sideline for the Steelers during a regular season game against the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Now he also has a more well-rounded wide receiver room around him as the offense looks to take a big stride forward in 2026.
Steelers' Offense Must Improve With Offensive-Minded McCarthy
The rookie Bernard will be battling it out with veteran wide receiver Roman Wilson in his first NFL season to see who is the third wide receiver on the depth chart will be. Despite that battle, the team definitely is deeper and more talented heading into this season than last. The battle itself can also present a good, healthy competition, especially given the youth of the two promising playmakers.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) participates in team rookie minicamp in May of 2026.
The Black and Gold finished in the lower half of the league in 2025 in passing offense, coming in at 22nd overall with 202.4 yards per game. Despite them finishing at 15th in scoring in the league with 23.4 points per game, they finished 25th overall in total offense with 305.6 yards per game. However, with a revamped wide receiver room, this is their chance to take off. Metcalf will need to lead the way.
What do you think of Farabaugh's comments regarding Metcalf and the Steelers' potential splash plays in 2026? Be sure to follow us for more Steelers news!
#SteelerNation