It will take a full team and organization effort for the Pittsburgh Steelers to have a successful 2026 season. There are 10 men among that group most critical to such an outcome.<\/p>\n
Below are the 10 individuals who will define how we talk and think about the year.<\/p>\n
1. QB Aaron Rodgers<\/p>\n
He\u2019s the most important and obvious name on the list. Rodgers returned for his 22nd and final NFL seaso<\/a>n in the hopes reuniting with head coach Mike McCarthy can bring out the best in each other. They know the scheme, but can it make sense to everyone else?<\/p>\n Rodgers must be able to push the ball downfield with more frequency this season and improve advanced metrics like his ANY\/A. All while flashing the ability to make extended plays, drive the offense, and finish with touchdowns instead of field goals.<\/p>\n 2. HC Mike McCarthy<\/p>\n Just as obvious as Rodgers, McCarthy enters his first season in Pittsburgh with big expectations. Can he take the offense to new heights while improving a defense that disappointed a year ago? Can he win close games? Dominate the division? Will this veteran-laden team buy into McCarthy when things get tough? And things will get tough for any team over the course of a long season. Will he commit to the running game enough?<\/p>\n McCarthy has the chance to play the role of hero. If he falls short, there will be immediate scrutiny.<\/p>\n 3. EDGE T.J. Watt<\/p>\n For perhaps the first time since his rookie year, there\u2019s true scrutiny over Watt\u2019s play and future with the team. Can he roar back as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate? Or has he settled into a clear tier below with a ceiling of ten sacks?<\/p>\n Will moving Watt around the defense help unlock his game? Or will it be another year of all talk and little action? Let\u2019s see what Watt looks like when there\u2019s reasonable doubt about what he can bring the defense this year.<\/p>\n 4. OTs Dylan Cook & Max Iheanachor<\/p>\n Lumped together as whoever starts at right tackle or in the event Cook begins the year with Iheanachor replacing him midseason. Right tackle is Pittsburgh\u2019s biggest area of concern along the offensive line. Cook must show more power. Iheanachor must show he\u2019s ready for the NFL. Whoever starts must keep a soon-to-be 43-year-old Aaron Rodgers upright. Every mistake will be magnified.<\/p>\n 5. DC Patrick Graham<\/p>\n There\u2019s no question about who runs the defense this year. It\u2019s Graham\u2019s show. A well-respected defensive coordinator,<\/a> results must follow for Graham. Pittsburgh has heavy investments in its defensive line and the best talent Graham\u2019s had in years. The run defense must be no worse than top 10. The secondary must come together and make up for lost summer reps. The turnover culture must continue while curing the unit\u2019s ills on third down.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no time to \u201cwarm up\u201d to the moment.<\/p>\n 6. WR DK Metcalf<\/p>\n Metcalf fell short of expectations last year. Perhaps circumstances around him can be cited for that. That won\u2019t skate him by this year. A returning quarterback, friendlier offense and massive contract means Metcalf must feel like an alpha No. 1 receiver. That\u2019s going to mean a 1,000-yard season and a hearty helping of touchdowns.<\/p>\n If not, Metcalf will feel like an underwhelming addition.<\/p>\n 7. CB Joey Porter Jr.<\/p>\n No matter how it plays out, we\u2019ll be talking about Porter\u2019s 2026 campaign. Does he receive a new deal? Does he hold out? Does he play out the year? Assuming he returns to the field, will he look like a player who hardly participated all spring and summer? He says it\u2019s not a concern,<\/a> but it\u2019s a valid worry.<\/p>\n Porter will be under the microscope even more than usual, and that\u2019s barely even getting into his place as the No. 1 corner on the team. When we talk about the season in review, Porter will be among the top names part of that summary.<\/p>\n 8. ILB Patrick Queen<\/p>\n