The Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh officially moves into Phase 1 on April 7. That's Phase 1 of the organized team activities (OTAs) period of the offseason, the Steelers' first with a coach not named Mike Tomlin.
While this portion of the offseason program is limited to strength, conditioning and physical rehabilitation, the reporting date serves as the first real benchmark for a roster undergoing a massive schematic shift. Here are the primary storylines as the Steelers return to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
The April 7 start date triggers the first phase of the McCarthy install
Phase 1 of the NFL’s voluntary offseason program is restricted to the weight room and meetings, but its importance for a new coaching staff is significant. McCarthy is entitled to an extra voluntary minicamp (April 20-22) because of his first-year status, but Tuesday marks the beginning of the foundation. Strength and conditioning coaches Mark Lovat and Grant Thorne will lead the on-field portion, while McCarthy and his staff begin the classroom install of the "Texas Coast" terminology and Patrick Graham’s multiple defensive sets.
Will Howard takes center stage in the absence of a veteran signing
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Since Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent and is not under contract, he is legally barred from attending team activities or voluntary workouts. This shifts the entire spotlight to Will Howard. Rodgers is still the presumed starter, but Howard is the only quarterback currently under contract for the 2027 season, Howard’s early buy-in to the new system is the team's most critical developmental subplot. McCarthy has emphasized that his quarterbacks must "win from the pocket", and this voluntary period provides Howard his first opportunity to master the footwork and timing required by the new staff.
A revamped receiving corps begins defining a new hierarchy
The Steelers enter the spring with a physically imposing wide receiver room that includes Michael Pittman Jr., the big offseason acquisition, to go alongside DK Metcalf. This voluntary period is the first time the group will digest the playbook together to define specific roles. The team is also heavily scouting the 2026 class for additional depth, recently hosting Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston for a Top 30 visit. Boston’s 6-foot-4 frame fits the "big-bodied" archetype McCarthy has historically favored in his offensive builds.
Patrick Graham’s defensive versatility begins in the classroom
Imagn Images
On the defensive side of the ball, Tuesday marks the first day Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker begin learning their roles in Patrick Graham’s hybrid secondary. McCarthy has publicly stated that versatility is king in the 2026 defense, with plans to move Ramsey between boundary corner, safety, and the nickel "star" position. While on-field drills don't begin until later this spring, the "mental reps" starting this week are where the complex coverage checks are mastered.
The Rule of 51 creates a voluntary period ceiling
As players report, the Steelers' front office is operating under the "Rule of 51," where only the top 51 salaries count against the cap. With cap space estimated at roughly $27 million when factoring in the incoming draft class and injury settlements, any major roster additions remain unlikely this close to the draft. Tuesday's roster is likely the group the Steelers will take into late April, barring a sudden resolution to the veteran quarterback market.