It was a monumental offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who underwent the most change they have had in several decades. From hiring a new head coach to making ten selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, this offseason will prove to be a pivotal one for the future of the franchise. One analyst made it clear that he is skeptical that the Steelers did enough.
ESPN’s Seth Walder graded all 32 teams’ offseason moves, and the writer wasn’t too impressed by the Steelers. Walder criticized the Steelers for re-signing
quarterback Aaron Rodgers, claiming the move will hold Pittsburgh back from competing for the AFC North crown in 2026, and ultimately gave the team a C+ for the sum of all their moves.
“There is strength to this roster, but the reason the Steelers are a long shot to contend for the AFC crown in 2026 is their quarterback,” Wadler said. “They chose to re-sign Rodgers on a one-year, $22.5 million deal. He is one of the all-time greats, but the last time he was even an above-average NFL quarterback was five years ago (granted, he was the MVP that season). The chances that he comes close to his previous level of greatness are very slim.”
It’s hard to imagine the Steelers offense doesn’t take a step forward under offensive-minded head coach Mike McCarthy and added offensive weapons, but it is fair to be skeptical of a soon-to-be 43-year-old quarterback.
Wadler continued to slam the team regarding their quarterback situation, specifically calling out the Steelers for declining to pursue free agents like Malik Willis and Kyler Murray. The ESPN analyst was also not the biggest fan of the Michael Pittman Jr. trade, seeing it as the Steelers taking on a “negative value contract.”
With a returning defensive core under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Wadler believes that the defense will be the reason that the Steelers see success this season.
“If things break just right, the Steelers’ defense could keep them relevant in 2026. But it’s hard to see the offense having enough firepower for the team to make a serious run.”
The Steelers report to Latrobe for training camp on July 28th, where we will get our first look at the new-look Steelers with McCarthy in charge.
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