The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look like a much different team in 2026, even though there wasn't a ton of roster turnover during the offseason. The franchise will have a new offensive system in place, and the defense will also look a little bit different under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Graham has said that he doesn't have a "signature" defensive system, he instead likes to build something based off of the strengths of the guys that will be on the field. This is probably the best way to go about things, and it should leave fans excited for what the defense might be able to do in 2026.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham works with the defense as the team practices during an Organized Team Activities (OTAs) workout in Pittsburgh, PA.
One area of the defense that needs to improve a good bit is inside linebacker. Patrick Queen is the primary starter there and he wears the green dot on the defense, but he has been rather underwhelming since signing with the franchise in free agency back during the 2024 offseason. There were some questions about who might start next to him, and it looks like it is going to be Payton Wilson. Wilson has played a good bit throughout his first two seasons, but there have been a decent number of questions about him being a three-down linebacker due to his inefficiencies when defending the run.
Wilson has struggled throughout the first two seasons of his career at shedding blocks and making plays against the run, but he excels in coverage. He has been played mostly in just passing situations, but reports out of training camp make it seem like he is ready to take the next step.
Can't really say enough about the stretch of play Payton Wilson is having in training camp so far. He's been excellent. Showing some actual skills to stack and shed blocks at the second level, which is a really big thing for him.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 10, 2026
He's been pretty awesome so far here.
Reports of Wilson's play have been glowing, especially when discussing how he has played in situations he has usually struggled. He is taking on blockers in a better manner and proving that he can be reliable against the run. It is going to be important to see that on the field in games, but seeing it in practice to start is a good sign.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Payton Wilson warms up for the Steelers before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium.
Wilson has started eight games over the first two years of his career and has been on the field consistently. His production jumped between Year 1 and Year 2 as he recorded 126 total tackles in 2025. He also had two sacks and an interception, and he made a highlight play overseas as he ran down Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison and made what might have been a game-saving tackle in the red zone.
Steelers' Defense Isn't Set Quite Yet
It seems like Wilson is the front-runner to start alongside Queen in Pittsburgh's base defense, but there is still a lot of time left before the regular season kicks off and things are finalized. Cole Holcomb is still in the mix and now that he is further removed from his devastating knee injury he could make some noise in the inside linebacker room. He was leading the team in tackles before going down during the 2023 season, and he could return to something close to the player he used to be.
Malik Harrison seems to be out of the running for the starting job as he has been taking some reps at outside linebacker, and he seems like his roster spot could be in jeopardy. Carson Bruener could also become a contributor after impressing on special teams during his rookie year in 2025.
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