The 2026 NFL season is just one week away. The rosters are pretty much set around the league, and depth charts are in place. That means its time for our annual bold Steelers predictions for 2026:
1. Steelers record (8-9);
There is a world where this could be a successful season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A playoff win is not out of the realm of possibility. Too much has to go right for this to happen however. Aaron Rodgers will need to improve dramatically in 2026, TJ Watt will need to reverse his regression, Cam Heyward needs to fight off Father Time once again just to name a few. All this while integrating a completely new coaching staff. It’s far more likely some of the good happens, along with a good deal of bad. In the end, the Steelers fall just short of their normal winning record.
2. Joey Porter Jr. will not sign an extension in 2026:
The two sides are dug in, and there isn’t much time left to bridge the enormous gap between them. If you believe reports, the Steelers have not even made an offer yet. JPJ seems adamant on becoming the highest paid corner in the league. He may get that at some point, but unfortunately it won’t be in Pittsburgh.
3. Sack leader – Alex Highsmith:
Some people think TJ Watt’s 2025 was an aberration, and he will resume his All-Pro play in 2026. I am not one of them. Nick Herbig is on the come, but Alex Highsmith is the best outside linebacker on this team in 2026. Look for 14 plus sacks in Patrick Graham’s defense this season.
4. Drew Allar gets multiple starts in 2026:
It seems inevitable that Aaron Rodgers will miss time in 2026, just about every quarterback does nowadays. Add in his age, shaky right side of the line, and it becomes a question of when not if. By the last quarter of the season the Steelers will be forced to look to the future at quarterback. That future is Drew Allar.
5. Patrick Queen breakout season incoming:
It’s no secret playing inside linebacker in a Mike Tomlin defense is an extremely tough task. Not one player will benefit more from the coaching change than Patrick Queen. He will flourish in Patrick Graham’s system. Add to that the extra motivation of this being a contract year, and you have the makings of a Pro Bowl year for Queen.
6. Asante Samuel Jr will find his way to one of the starting corner spots:
Asante Samuel Jr is low key the best free agent signing of the Omar Khan era. Two years removed from his injury, the former first round pick is poised for a big season in 2026. Whether its through a messy JPJ holdout, or a Jamal Dean regression/injury, Samuel will be a starter on this team.
7. The 2026 offensive line will struggle, the 2027 version will be elite:
The Steelers offensive line is on a path to being among the best in the NFL, but that won’t happen in 2026. The right side of the line is bad, and will stay that way until Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanchor are ready to contribute. Brace yourself for some rough times in 2026, knowing next year big things are coming along the offensive line.
8. Steelers defense will be a top 5 unit:
This of course depends heavily on Joey Porter Jr being with the team in 2026. With that said, there is an abundance of talent on this side of the ball. We’re looking for breakout years from Keeanu Benton, Asante Samuel Jr, and Patrick Queen in 2026. Veteran’s like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward no longer have to carry the defense, they can now be part of a well functioning group led by Patrick Graham.
9. Steelers offense will be a bottom 1o unit:
There’s just too many questions on this side of the ball, most importantly at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers does not want to be hit, and his play reflects that. He led the league in time to throw, and least yards per attempt in 2025. To expect him to suddenly reverse that in 2026 just because of a new coaching staff is naive. Another big problem foe this unit is the lack of playmakers. Players like Micheal Pittman, and Rico Dowdle are solid contributors, but neither gives the team anything in terms of splash plays. Same goes for rookie Germie Bernard. He will be a solid player, with some RAC ability, but not the take the top off the defense type this team needs. The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to be near perfect to score on drives, and that’s a tall task in today’s NFL.
10. Mike Tomlin will be named head coach of the Jets before the season is over:
Im swinging for the fences here, but I honestly believe this could happen. Let’s start with the fact that it’s a circus over there in New York as long as Woody Johnson is the owner. They have set up Aaron Glenn to fail by giving him Geno Smith as his quarterback fresh off having Justin Fields as his starter in 2025. Its not a matter of if Glenn its fired, its when. Once that happens the Jets will be looking to make a splash, because of course it’s New York. Enter Mike Tomlin on the Jets sideline before the season is over. It’s a hot take I know, but let’s role with it.