Roster ranking and overall outlook
Ahead of training camp, roster assessments put the Steelers at No. 19 in the NFL, placing them third in the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns sat at No. 31, while the Baltimore Ravens were ranked fifth and the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 15. The evaluation highlighted a significant concern on defense rather than quarterback play, with the off-ball linebacker spot pegged as the team’s biggest weakness.
Projected starting linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson were identified as key questions. The assessment noted that Pittsburgh ranked 27th in run stop win rate (28.9%) last season, a statistic that raised concerns about run defense. Queen had been a durable presence but finished 61st among 67 qualified off-ball linebackers in PFF grade in the prior season, with a lower standing in 2024 as well. Wilson showed potential for growth in Year 3 but faced competition for snaps from veterans on the roster, including Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison.
Trade and contract considerations
Queen had been discussed as a potential trade or release prospect in the offseason. He was entering his third season with Pittsburgh after signing a three-year, $41 million contract in 2024, adding another layer of complexity to any move involving him.
Strength in edge rush
Despite concerns on the inside, the edge rush remained a strength for the Steelers. The team ranked fourth in the NFL with a 41.3% pass rush win rate and recorded 48 sacks last season. T.J. Watt continued to be a dominant force, maintaining All-Pro caliber play across multiple healthy seasons and accumulating 115 sacks since entering the league in 2017, a total that places him among the elite in recent years. Alex Highsmith contributed significantly as a complementary pass rusher, recording 37.0 sacks over the past four seasons. Rookie-turned-contributor Nick Herbig had a standout season with a career-high 7.5 sacks and a notable pass rush win rate, marking him as a key piece for the future.
Offseason developments on the secondary
One of the most praised offseason moves was signing cornerback Jamel Dean. The addition bolstered the secondary and, according to analysts, could be a pivotal factor in determining the Steelers’ success in 2026. The group also features Joey Porter Jr., who had shown promise in coverage, and veteran Jalen Ramsey, who had been deployed in hybrid roles including free safety. Ramsey accumulated significant snap counts at free safety last season, indicating a versatile usage pattern that could benefit Pittsburgh’s back end if he can maintain effectiveness.
Outlook for the defense and potential impact
Analysts emphasized that the path to a strong season for the Steelers could hinge on a top-tier defense, particularly if the pass rush remains potent and the secondary improves. If Dean and Porter Jr. perform at or above expected levels and Ramsey continues to adapt to his hybrid role, Pittsburgh’s pass defense could become a determining factor for playoff contention and potential deep postseason runs.
In summary, while questions linger about inside linebacker depth and run defense, the Steelers entered training camp with a robust edge rush and a revamped secondary that could be the driving force behind their 2026 results. The team’s ability to capitalize on these strengths, address remaining concerns, and maximize the potential of younger players will shape their trajectory for the season ahead.
