The Pittsburgh Steelers had quite a busy offseason, and a number of new names will have a large role in 2026. Several young players will have the opportunity to shine and earn their own roles within the team. But a pair a veterans stand out as players who will have large responsibilities from the jump. Michael Pittman Jr. and Jamel Dean specifically were named by NFL.com’s Matt Okada as two of the season’s most highly anticipated Week 1 debuts.
“I’m cheating a little here by picking a player from both sides of the ball for Pittsburgh, but it feels relevant,” Matt Okada wrote in an article posted Friday. “The Steelers traded a pittance for Pittman but then signed him to a three-year, $59 million extension to play opposite DK Metcalf and give Aaron Rodgers an abundance of size on the outside. They also inked Dean for three years ($36.75 million) after a quietly excellent 2025 that helped make him Gregg Rosenthal’s top free-agent cornerback. Neither is a household name, but both are solid contributors whose impact could become quickly evident against Atlanta.”
Wide receiver was a clear need for Pittsburgh this offseason, and Pittman is the perfect compliment to DK Metcalf. A veteran who understands his role and is a standout route runner. Pittman will provide a reliable second option in the passing game, something that was sorely needed last season.
The addition of Pittman, along with rookie Germie Bernard, means the Steelers may not need to rely as heavily on the quick passing game as last season. With no other dangerous wideouts outside of Metcalf, Pittsburgh’s passing game was very reliant on tight ends and running backs. That meant the Steelers weren’t able to take full advantage of Metcalf’s ability to stretch the field.
If Pittman can get off to a fast start for the Steelers in Week 1 against Atlanta, not only will it be a good sign for the potency of the new offense under Mike McCarthy, but it may just help unlock Metcalf’s full potential as a Steeler.
Jamel Dean is a similar player to Pittman, at a different position. Both are reliable veterans who have been productive in the league, but neither is a flashy name. Last season, Pittsburgh’s cornerback room didn’t live up to its expectations. It was clear Jalen Ramsey was no longer an elite outside corner. And Darius Slay didn’t even last the full season.
Dean will immediately provide stability alongside Joey Porter Jr. to a position group which sorely needs it. His presence as an unquestioned starter will allow Ramsey and others to move around the defense like a chess piece, depending on matchup or game situation.
If Dean and Porter prove to be a lockdown tandem, that will mean the rest of the defense will benefit, from the pass rush to the run defense. Week 1 will be a test right off the bat, as Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and the Falcons’ offense will test the Steelers’ defense out of the gate.
There’s plenty to be excited about this season for the Steelers. But these two under the radar players will play key roles in defining this season’s success. It shouldn’t take much longer than Week 1 to know whether these two new Steelers are up to the task.
