Photo: steelers.com
Steelers fans were left frustrated after another Wild Card exit, and the fallout was immediate. Mike Tomlin stepped down, ending a nearly two‑decade run, and the team pivoted quickly by hiring Mike McCarthy on January 24, 2026 — just the fourth head coach the franchise has employed since 1969. McCarthy brings an offensive identity to Pittsburgh, and with him comes a long list of offseason questions about the quarterback room, the receivers, and the overall roster build.
The Steelers enter a pivotal stretch: free agency, a deep draft class, and the added spotlight of hosting the 2026 NFL Draft. With an estimated 12 picks and roughly $45 million in cap space, they have the flexibility to reshape the roster. A rising league salary cap — projected between $301.2 million and $305.7 million — only expands their options.
Several areas will define whether Pittsburgh can rebound quickly and return to contention.
Mike McCarthy’s arrival marks a philosophical departure. Pittsburgh has long prioritized defense and ball control under its previous coaching staffs. McCarthy built his reputation in Green Bay, where he won a Super Bowl and developed offenses around skilled quarterbacks. His presence suggests the organization wants to score more points rather than rely on keeping games close through defensive stops.
The hire also signals that ownership believes they have a roster to win now. While McCarthy will need time to install his system and identify the players who fit his scheme, he is on record stating he is inheriting a team that made the postseason. He has also begun evaluating the roster, and reports indicate he has engaged with potential quarterback options, such as veteran Aaron Rodgers and discussing excitement over last year’s sixth-round draft pick, Will Howard.
The Steelers 10-7 finish with a playoff berth places them at pick number 21 in the upcoming draft. Oddsmakers have already started adjusting their lines for next season based on the McCarthy hire and the team’s resources to add talent to the depth chart. Bettors looking at Pittsburgh futures can compare lines across sports betting sites, offshore books, and state-licensed apps to find variations in win totals or division odds.
The Aaron Rodgers situation adds another layer for those placing early wagers. Kalshi currently sets the chance of his retirement at 42.1 percent before the 2026-27 season begins.
McCarthy confirmed he has spoken with Aaron Rodgers multiple times. The 42-year-old quarterback has not committed to playing next season. McCarthy indicated that Rodgers needs time to decompress before making any decisions about his future. Pittsburgh should be considered a contender if Rodgers choses to play, but the uncertainty creates planning difficulties.
If Rodgers retires, the Steelers would need to find a starting quarterback elsewhere. Free agency provides few options and the draft may only yield a developmental prospect. Neither path guarantees the same level of play that Rodgers could provide, considering last season’s performance and assuming he still has productive years remaining.
The organization cannot afford to wait indefinitely. Other teams will pursue their own quarterback solutions, and the market will move with or without Pittsburgh’s involvement. McCarthy has relationships across the league, which could help in acquiring a veteran if Rodgers calls it quits.
ESPN predicts the Steelers will use multiple draft picks on wide receivers. This makes sense given the current roster situation. Calvin Austin III, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Scotty Miller are all free agents. Adam Thielen has retired too, leaving only D.K. Metcalf and seldom-used third year pro Roman Wilson as viable options. Pittsburgh could theoretically re-sign one or more of these players, but the receiving room needs an infusion of new talent regardless.
The Steelers first round pick could address this need if a top receiver falls. Teams drafting ahead of Pittsburgh may prioritize other positions, such as quarterback, which would leave receiver talent available. The Steelers will also have a bunch of other selections to work with, so they could take multiple pass catchers if the board permits.
McCarthy’s offense has historically featured multiple receiving options. His Green Bay teams often had two or three productive receivers on the field at once. Pittsburgh would benefit from adding players who can separate against man coverage and stretch the field vertically.
Cap space gives Pittsburgh flexibility. The team could pursue a top-tier free agent at one position or distribute funds across several needs. Defensive line depth, the receiver room, and secondary help all warrant consideration.
Pittsburgh had traditionally avoided splashy free agent signings, but under new general manager Omar Khan, the team has opened their checkbook to major deals with outside contributors such as Patrick Queen, Jalen Ramsey, and Metcalf over the last few years.
The organization still prefers to build through the draft and develop internal talent, yet McCarthy’s arrival could change this approach somewhat, particularly if he identifies specific players who fit his system. The projected salary cap increase to $305.7 million means other teams will also have room to spend. Bidding wars could push prices higher than expected for premium players. As usual, Pittsburgh might find better value in the second tier of free agents rather than competing for the most sought-after names.
With as many as twelve selections, the Steelers will have flexibility in the NFL Draft. They could trade up for a specific player, trade down for additional picks, or stand pat and address multiple positions. The draft occurs in Pittsburgh itself, which adds local interest but does not affect the actual selection process.
Their first round pick sits in a productive range. Players available there often become quality starters. Pittsburgh has drafted well in recent years, finding contributors in the middle rounds.
It’s assumed McCarthy will have input on selections, particularly on offensive players, so his preferences will influence the board. However, he’s not adverse to making defensive selections, most notably picking Micah Parsons during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys.
Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland still present problems. The AFC North remains one of the more physical divisions in football and must continue to maintain the pace against their rivals as the defending division champions.
A Wild Card berth could come with fewer wins than expected, but the Steelers already proved in 2025 that a Wild Card appearance does not guarantee postseason advancement. McCarthy needs to build a team capable of winning games in January against elite competition.
Pittsburgh has tools to improve. Cap space, draft picks, and a new head coach with offensive expertise provide a foundation for progress. The Rodgers situation creates uncertainty, but the Steelers can pursue other options if necessary. McCarthy inherits a franchise with expectations, and the 2026 offseason will determine how quickly he can meet them.
