The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of new players on their roster. Additions who can make a considerable and immediate impact. The team also features plenty of returning players in need of a bounce-back campaign. Whether it be due to injury, bad scheme, or just poor play, these three players need to bounce back in big ways for the Steelers to reach their 2026 ceiling.
1. EDGE T.J. Watt
Watt is coming off a disappointing season and arguably the worst of his career. A freak late-season lung injury didn’t help, but Watt went quiet even before the dry-needling incident. Through the first eight weeks of 2025, he had just four sacks and ended the year with just one multi-sack showing. For the first time in awhile, Watt was not in any consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, which went to Myles Garrett after he broke Watt’s single-season sack record.
After a huge 2025 contract extension, Watt is facing pressure to make that deal look good. He may never live up to its lofty expectations, but he needs to return with at least double-digit sacks. Increasing his forced fumbles and overall pressures will also be important. As will, obviously, his ability to stay healthy as he turns 32 in October.
A refreshed defense willing to move Watt off his left outside linebacker spot could help.
2. ILB Payton Wilson
Similar can apply to Patrick Queen, but Wilson had a down year. Expected to break out and be an every-down player, Wilson’s struggles against the run persisted. He lost his base down role three weeks in and never got it back as Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison played over him in those situations.
Wilson flashed in coverage but still isn’t high end, and he struggled to make an impact in other areas. His athleticism and range are impressive. And he plays with unreal effort that allows him to rack up tackles — he’s the only NFL player with 200-plus tackles on under 1,300 snaps the past two combined years — but his game needs to grow in a critical third season.
If not, Pittsburgh may look to completely shake up its inside linebacker group for 2027.
3. TE Pat Freiermuth
The offensive player in biggest need of a bounce back. Arthur Smith chose Jonnu Smith over Freiermuth, leaving him on the sidelines for too much of the season. It led to his worst statistical campaign: 41 receptions, 486 yards, and four touchdowns. He had his annual big showing against Cincinnati but was muted the rest of the year. The Bengals game accounted for nearly 25 percent of his yards and half his touchdowns.
How Mike McCarthy balances getting Freiermuth involved along with Darnell Washington and a healthy increase of 11 personnel will be worth watching. There are lots of mouths to feed. Still, Freiermuth’s numbers should return to pre-2025 levels. Having the same starting quarterback for the first time in his Steelers career could do wonders.
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