The Pittsburgh Steelers will look drastically different this season, starting at the top with new head coach Mike McCarthy roaming the sidelines. With so many fresh faces, expectations for different players in Pittsburgh are difficult to pin down. But if the Steelers are going to make noise in the AFC, several players will need to elevate their games.
In May, our staff will put together our collective predictions for 2026 season awards, but here’s a way-too-early look at who could take home some of
the team’s top honors by season’s end.
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Many have labeled Pittman as the perfect complementary receiver in Pittsburgh’s offense, but there’s a strong chance he becomes Rodgers’ favorite target by midseason.
Pittman’s reliable hands, physical style, and ability to settle into soft spots against zone coverage should make him invaluable on third downs and in critical situations. He may not be the flashiest weapon on the roster, but he projects as the offense’s most dependable chain mover.
If the chemistry develops quickly with Rodgers, a season leading the team in receptions while producing roughly seven touchdowns feels well within reach.
Defensive Player of the Year: EDGE T. J. Watt
The conversation surrounding Watt has shifted dramatically over the last few seasons after his sack totals dipped from 19 in 2023, to 11.5 in 2024, before falling to seven last year.
Still, the tape suggests the former Defensive Player of the Year remains highly disruptive even when the numbers don’t fully reflect it. Under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Watt could be positioned for a bounce-back campaign that restores him to All-Pro form. Expect double-digit sacks, splash plays in key moments, and a reminder that Pittsburgh’s defense still runs through No. 90.
Rookie of the Year: WR Germie Bernard
Bernard’s versatility should earn him an immediate role in the offense. Whether lined up in the slot or outside, his polished route running and maturity could quickly earn Rodgers’ trust — something that has historically been difficult for young receivers to gain.
I’d expect him to see the field often, potentially logging close to 70 percent of the offensive snaps. If that happens, a stat line around 50 receptions, 600 yards, and four touchdowns would represent a very encouraging debut season.
Most Improved Player: DT Derrick Harmon
Harmon quietly showed flashes of becoming a foundational piece along the defensive front last season. Pittsburgh’s run defense consistently looked stronger whenever he was on the field, and his absence exposed major weaknesses in the interior.
Now entering a larger role, Harmon appears poised to make the leap from promising young lineman to legitimate Pro Bowl candidate. If his development continues, there’s a realistic chance he emerges as one of the most impactful interior defenders on the roster — even alongside franchise icon Cameron Heyward.
Team MVP: QB Aaron Rodgers
Fair or not, quarterbacks almost always define a team’s ceiling, and that will especially be true for Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
If the Steelers return to the postseason and show meaningful improvement offensively, Rodgers will likely receive the bulk of the credit. That doesn’t necessarily mean he must play at an MVP-caliber level league wide, but steady production combined with efficient decision making could be enough to transform the offense with the new weapons at play.
A season in the neighborhood of 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions feels realistic if he stays healthy in McCarthy’s system. For Rodgers, that would represent a fitting final chapter — and potentially one last playoff push before riding off into retirement.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
