Panic Time in Pittsburgh? A look at the Steelers 2025-2026 season ahead

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have built a strong reputation as one of the most historic, storied franchises in the NFL. With 6 super bowl rings, nothing will stop their fans from opening up the history books and driving their arguments home. However, recently, the Steelers have been plagued with the curse of the playoffs: having not won a single playoff game since 2017, in a game where they didn't even score a touchdown. But hey, at least they kept Mike Tomlin's streak of not having a losing season, right? Tomlin's been under scrutiny as of late due to the lack of playoff success, and heading into the 2025-2026 season, there's going to be a lot to prove in Pittsburgh.

With this in mind, Steelers GM Omar Khan made no shortage of moves this offseason to bolster the Steelers playoff hopes. After one season, they moved on from Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson and brought in veteran QB Aaron Rodgers for likely his last season. They brought in offensive threats like drafting running back Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa and trading for former Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, and former Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith to reunite with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. With the lack of offensive success, it seemed as if these moves were necessary. Despite trading WR George Pickens and losing out on RB Najee Harris, the Steelers seem to have a strong plan to fix their offensive mistakes, at least this year. The defense saw no signs of letting up: after being a top powerhouse on the defensive side, Khan aimed to make sure the defense was as strong, if not stronger, than years prior. In a blockbuster move, the Steelers acquired veteran CB Jalen Ramsey, trading safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the process. Despite losing Fitzpatrick, the Steelers were able to make strong moves on defense by resigning TJ Watt to a super extension, signing CB Darius Slay, drafting DT Derrick Harmon out of Oregon, and signing Safeties Chuck Clark and Juan Thornhill to fill the void Fitzpatrick will surely leave. The Steelers seem like they are in win-now mode. Despite the acquisition of aging veterans like Rodgers or Ramsey, their impact will surely have an effect for Pittsburgh in a positive way.

With training camp just beginning, fans were eager to see how this new team with a lot of new talent would fair. On Aaron Rodgers' first attempted pass, he was intercepted by LB Patrick Queen. This being Rodgers' first throw as a Steeler has fans wondering if this experiment will work out or if it's just going to be a season of the same thing. It poses the question, however, is the offense bad or is the defense that good? The Steelers offense has been their weak point for a couple of years now, so seeing an interception may not be ideal, but it shows the defense has just as much fire power. As training camp has progressed, the Steelers have held their own offensively: winning 4-3 on Friday in seven shots against the defense. Another big highlight has been Kaleb Johnson, he has been a star of training camp. He's been explosive with huge runs and being able to find the right bursts of speed for big gains. This is very good news for the offense that has been heavily reliant on the run game for years, and the one-two punch of Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson will surely be lethal.

All that to say: Do. Not. Panic. The Steelers have a strong defense with veterans who know what they are doing and some still at the top of their game (Cam Heyward especially). The offense is a healthy combination of young studs with Tackle Troy Fautanu returning from injury after a stellar start to 2024, and as mentioned Kaleb Johnson and his explosive running. Not to mention DK Metcalf and his already proven ability to be a top 15 receiver. With the hungry veterans like Rodgers who is looking to make the strongest impact he can in his last season. As training camp progresses, we will keep you posted, but the Steelers are a different team with the biggest chip on their shoulder and a lot to prove.