The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping that a new head coach and an improved core overall will finally get them over the hump. In theory, it could end up working, as Mike McCarthy brings a fresh perspective on a system that has gone incredibly stale. Meanwhile, the team has done everything it could to make sure the roster is full of great players and quality depth, with a good mix of youth and veteran leaders. However, it's still hard for many people to believe that Pittsburgh can be a true threat in the AFC.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers HC Mike McCarthy speaks with QB Aaron Rodgers during the 2026 NFL offseason.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report has an idea of why this master plan won't work well. In his latest article, he explained why the Steelers will stay right where they've been for almost the last decade.
"Since [Aaron] Rodgers hasn't been an elite quarterback since 2021, he'll almost certainly fail to get the Steelers deep into the playoffs as a washed-up, half-committed 43-year-old," Gagnon said. "Yet because there's enough talent there and around him, he and the Steelers might be just successful enough to prevent themselves from landing a primo draft pick to use on a potential Rodgers replacement. They'd arguably be better off tanking in 2026."
This was the story for the Steelers last year, and the year before that, and so on. This time, there's some familiarity at the quarterback position with Aaron Rodgers coming back for another ride. This is a team with lots of talent, but questionable play from the passer that eventually holds them back. Another year of mediocrity is likely on the docket for Pittsburgh, but only time will tell.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks into the distance with intense focus as he stands in street clothes while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers still has the arm strength and the football IQ to play quarterback; that's not really the problem. The primary issue here is the fact that he seemingly doesn't want to get hit anymore in the pocket, so plays aren't always having the chance to fully develop before he gets rid of the football. Completing 73 passes to the backup running back is just not a good plan to win long-term, and that's what happened in 2025. It doesn't help that he seems to find receivers on their rookie contracts less favorable.
Steelers Can't Even Tank If They Wanted To
At this point, it already feels like the 3-5 worst teams in the NFL are already locked in for the 2026 season. Even if the Cleveland Browns or New York Jets are not as bad as they appear to be, they have multiple first-round picks to play with and trade up if necessary. Meanwhile, all the talent on the Steelers' roster makes them primed for another nine- or ten-win season.
Matt Starkey / Cleveland Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line tries to hold off Cleveland Browns defender Myles Garrett as he completes three sacks in a regular season game in 2024.
The is a realistic scenario that the first four or five picks in the 2027 NFL Draft will be quarterback. Meanwhile, the Steelers will likely be sitting at Pick 20 or 21 again as they pray that there's enough good options for them to reasonably use their first-round pick on a passer. If not, they may have to beg Rodgers to come back for one last ride.
Out of all the players worth trading away, there are none that would give them anything close to the return the Browns got for Myles Garrett this past week. Maybe they could try and fleece someone like the Dallas Cowboys to get a first-round pick for Alex Highsmith, but that still feels like a pipe dream. Even if it does work, it likely wouldn't be enough to move up into the top-5 and get an elite quarterback prospect.
What do you think about Rodgers possibly holding the team back? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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