Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers hoped their defense could lead the way, while the offense did just enough to win games. And while the Steelers won the SFC North, they weren’t able to play complimentary football when it mattered the most. In key late-season losses to Cleveland and Houston, the offense was extremely quiet. But a host of new names could change that in 2026.
“I expect the offense to put up more numbers. When you think about Aaron Rodgers, and you think about Michael Pittman [Jr.], DK Metcalf, Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Warren, I expect a lot of points to be put up on the board,” former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o said Wednesday on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.
Michael Pittman Jr. alone is a massive addition. Last year it was DK Metcalf and essentially nobody else at receiver, which hurt Metcalf’s production. Having a veteran who understands the nuances of the game, like Pittman should be massive for Aaron Rodgers. And if Germie Bernard or Roman Wilson can take hold of the WR3 role, this should be the most dangerous receiving corps the Steelers have had in awhile.
In the backfield, losing Kenneth Gainwell did sting. But the Steelers were smart to add Rico Dowdle, who represents a slightly different style of running back than Jaylen Warren. Dowdle is a physical runner who can handle a heavy workload. He broke onto the scene under Mike McCarthy and is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Any success the offense has will start with the offensive line, which is very young. But the unit did well to protect Rodgers as the 2025 season went on. And the only sizeable loss this offseason was Isaac Seumalo. Broderick Jones is still coming back from a neck injury, but the Steelers added depth through the draft. Spencer Anderson is an in-house name to keep an eye on. And new addition Brock Hoffman has some familiarity with Mike McCarthy as well.
Ultimately, this offense will go as far as Rodgers takes it. Last year, when his supporting cast wasn’t helping, Rodgers wasn’t able to elevate the unit by himself. But Te’o has reasons to feel more optimism this time around. With more talent at receiver, more depth along the offensive line and a new face in the backfield, he thinks the Steelers could light up the scoreboard in 2026.
Recommended for you