The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering an era of uncertainty as they head into the 2026 offseason after a 10-7 campaign in 2025 that included an AFC North title, but concluded with their seventh consecutive playoff loss. Following the resignation of Mike Tomlin and the hiring of Mike McCarthy, many Steelers fans find themselves unsure if the 2026 Steelers will be able to compete for a championship, or if they should enter rebuild-mode and look ahead to the future. One NFL analyst believes the Steelers might be closer to competing for their seventh Lombardi than they get credit for.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers new Head Coach Mike McCarthy addresses the media in his introductory press conference.
Many members of Steeler Nation are tired of seeing the same result year in year out. Nine or ten wins, a decent regular season, and then a quick playoff exit that leaves everyone frustrated by mid-January. For a fan base that prides itself on championships, patience has worn thin.
When Tomlin stepped away, plenty of fans hoped it would finally signal a full reset. Instead, the Steelers went with McCarthy, a move that felt more like doubling down than starting over.
What’s clear is that the front office didn’t hire McCarthy to oversee a multi-year rebuild. They hired him because they believe this roster can win right now, or at least soon, and that belief isn’t just coming from inside the building.
At least one national voice agrees with that idea. Gregg Rosenthal recently made the case that Pittsburgh isn’t nearly as far away as many fans think. On a recent episode of his NFL Daily Podcast, Rosenthal pleaded his case for why the Steelers might be right back into contention in 2026.
"This team is not that far away. And actually, I kind of get the vision of not rebuilding, if nothing else. I don't know if Mike McCarthy is a good choice," Rosenthal said. "I think that they can win this year. They have a good offensive line. They have a good defensive line. That's a great place to start."
The Steelers aren’t a disaster, but they're not a powerhouse either, they're a team that has been stuck somewhere in the middle for the better part of a decade. However, a couple of free agency acquisitions and solid draft picks could help move that needle and put this team right in the mix.
The Steelers have quietly built one of the more solid offensive lines in the AFC, especially compared to where they were a few years ago. Built largely through the draft, Pittsburgh now has a core featuring Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. It’s the kind of group that can grow together, control the line of scrimmage, and make life easier on whoever is under center. Plenty of teams around the league would love to be starting from that spot.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Zach Frazier during the National Anthem ahead of a game in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh’s identity is still built on defense, and that hasn’t changed.
Everyone knows how dangerous the Steelers can be when that unit is clicking, and the pieces are still there to be special. With the hiring of Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator, there’s real optimism that this group can take another step forward.
Graham brings a reputation for adaptability and creativity, which could unlock even more from an already talented roster. If the defense can get back to forcing turnovers, dominating late in games, and closing out tight wins, the Steelers will once again be right in the mix as one of the league’s top units, and that alone keeps their championship hopes alive.
Kevin Terrell / Associated Press
Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham stands on the sideline with his headset on as the team competes in a professional football game.
Steelers Have The Biggest Question Mark At Quarterback
Of course, the biggest question for Pittsburgh remains quarterback, as it’s the one that has held the Steelers back since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
Whether it’s another season with 42-year old Aaron Rodgers, giving Will Howard an opportunity, or taking a chance in free agency or the draft, the Steelers need more consistency and playmaking at that spot. McCarthy’s track record with quarterbacks is part of the gamble here. If he can get competent, mistake-free play under center, this team instantly looks more dangerous.
The 2026 season feels like a crossroads. If McCarthy and the current core can put together a deeper playoff run, the narrative changes fast. Suddenly, the Steelers look smart for staying the course. If it ends in another early exit, the calls for a rebuild will be louder than ever, and probably impossible to ignore.
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