After an eventful offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 roster looks much different than it did last year. Coming off a 10-7 season, the Steelers did well to address most of their needs, but still face a tough battle to defend their division title. This battle will be too tough in the eyes of FOX Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano. In his latest power rankings post, the Steelers are all the way down at 24th.
“A 42-year-old quarterback, a backloaded schedule, and a division with two potential Super Bowl contenders (Ravens, Bengals). I know the Steelers are hoping for one last glorious ride for Aaron Rodgers, but they should have started rebuilding around a young QB this year,” Vacchiano wrote Tuesday.
Hitching your wagons to a quarterback as old as Rodgers isn’t the safest decision. But despite his flaws, Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to a division title last year. This year, he has arguably a better supporting cast around him.
The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr., a veteran who runs good routes and gets open quickly. Second-round selection Germie Bernard’s profile is similar to Pittman’s, and each will make life easier for DK Metcalf as well. After the lack of quality receivers hurt Rodgers last year, Pittsburgh made it a priority to add better ones this offseason.
Granted, Baltimore and Cincinnati each having a poor season helped Pittsburgh win the AFC North last year. If both the Ravens and Bengals can stay healthy, they can certainly contend for the division title. But with a new staff in Baltimore and a questionable defense in Cincinnati, it’s not a guarantee both teams will rebound.
Vacchiano is right that the Steelers have to turn to a young quarterback at some point. But that position could be in worse shape than it currently is. Rodgers is an adequate starter at this point in his career. Mason Rudolph brings stability as a backup. And in Will Howard and Drew Allar, the Steelers have two young options to groom for the future.
This isn’t to say Pittsburgh is a Super Bowl contender. However, 24th in these power rankings feels a little bit low for the Steelers. One thing is for sure: Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers are going to have to outperform expectations in their final season together.
