In many ways, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is going to look different in 2026. There were key additions to the receiver room, the backfield, and the offensive line. And at tight end, Pittsburgh may see a little addition by subtraction with the loss of Jonnu Smith. All of those moves make for an exciting unit, in the eyes of former Steeler Max Starks.
“I think it’s going to be a very physical, attacking run game… You’re really fortifying that wide receiver game as well, so you can take those shots, and be more aggressive down the field… Re-signing Darnell Washington, just recently, fortified that you want a 12 tight end system, and you wanna pound the rock,” Starks said this week on The Jim Rome Show. “And you went and kind of reinforced the offensive line, to make sure it’s stronger and stouter… So I expect to see a lot more dynamic, and a lot more explosive and physical offense.”
While much has been made about Mike McCarthy’s ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks, the Steelers are going to pound the rock as well. Bringing in Rico Dowdle, who first emerged under Mike McCarthy, is evidence of that. Both Dowdle and Jaylen Warren run in a physical manner, and the offensive line in front of them has more depth after a couple additions this offseason.
However, arguably the starkest improvements the Steelers made on offense come out wide. Michael Pittman Jr. alone is a massive help to a receiving corps which really struggled in 2026. As a veteran who understands the nuances and the mental side of the game, he figures to be one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets. Germie Bernard has plenty of potential, and if Roman Wilson can continue to impress, that unit can be dangerous for the first time in a while.
Transitioning to an offensive-minded head coach, the Steelers should naturally be better on that side of the ball. But they made the offseason additions necessary for that to happen. The offensive line has a real argument to be the deepest unit on the team, and it remains extremely young. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington should both have more room to step into bigger roles as well.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ overall success might depend on how much the rest of the AFC North improved. And their defense is going to need to take a step forward after a disappointing 2025 season of its own. But on the offense, Starks has some big expectations for the Steelers.
Recommended for you