The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most intriguing teams entering the 2026 season. Many pundits are spending time trying to determine what their floor and ceiling truly are. That won’t be easy, as this is an almost entirely new situation across several parts of the organization. Steelers GM Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy have been working to end the team’s playoff drought. Doing that in McCarthy’s first season as Pittsburgh’s head coach would be next level, but the question remains: Is it possible? That is exactly what everyone is trying to figure out as the 2026 season inches closer.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward stands beside TJ Watt while watching a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
With Aaron Rodgers back under center for what is his final ride, Cam Heyward and TJ Watt anchoring the defense, and improvements made across the roster, this Steelers team is expected to have a real shot at a playoff run. At the same time, they could also bottom out and end up with their worst season in over two decades. There are still plenty of unknowns with this new coaching staff, but one thing is certain: The Steelers do not believe in rebuilding years. Team President Art Rooney II has made that clear, and 2026 looks just as all-in as seasons past.
With all of that being said, one well-respected NFL insider had some very eye-opening things to say about the 2026 Steelers. Albert Breer, speaking on Sports Illustrated’s YouTube channel, said he expects Pittsburgh to hit 10 wins in McCarthy’s first season. He even went as far as to suggest that if they get a bit of injury luck, they could help Rodgers deliver a storybook final season.
"I'm gonna give them 10 [wins]," Breer said during his time speaking on Thursday. "I think that this is a Steelers team, as much as I've criticized them for maybe hanging on a year too long, where if things break right, they could be difficult to deal with... I mean, age not hitting them at key spots, particularly on defense, guys like Jalen Ramsey and Cam Heyward and TJ Watt, the offensive line coming together, and then just the general health of the team staying where it needs to be... If they are able to hold it together from a health perspective, if they do get some of that luck, this is a team that is set up for Aaron Rodgers to have a really nice final season."
Obviously, with Rodgers set to turn 43 years old in December of the 2026 season, it is pivotal that Pittsburgh gets good fortune in the health department.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers’ offensive line is young, and with another year together, it should be able to reach another gear that could greatly aid Rodgers’ protection.
Steelers Seem To Have Gotten Better In 2026 Offseason
During the 2025 season, there were plenty of times Rodgers needed more help from his offensive line. There is optimism that he will get that in 2026, but that hinges on a big if in terms of this unit truly gelling and taking a step forward.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy at league meetings during the 2026 offseason.
The wide receiver room also got better and deeper, but there are still question marks. Even so, the Steelers are shaping up as a very volatile team heading into 2026. If things do break their way and Rodgers stays healthy all season, along with other key veterans like Heyward and Watt avoiding wear and tear, then Pittsburgh could be special in Year 1 under McCarthy.
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