Football
Heading into this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers had some clear goals in mind. They were coming off a mostly successful 2025 campaign in which Pittsburgh won the division with a 10-7 record.
Yet, there were some apparent holes to fill across the roster. In the eyes of CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt, those goals were met.
“This Steelers football team looks outstanding on both side of the ball. I think they got better than what they were last year when they won the division and got into the postseason… I really, truly believe the Steelers did a great job this offseason,” Hunt said Friday on CBS Sports HQ. “The run game, they have a stacked running back room… This is a very good football team. I can’t stress that enough.”
On paper, it’s hard to disagree with Hunt. Arguably the biggest hole on the roster was the receiving corps, which was a big detriment in 2025. But Michael Pittman Jr. is an excellent veteran addition, one the Steelers landed for pennies on the dollar. Germie Bernard does a lot of things Aaron Rodgers will love as well.
While the offensive line wasn’t a big problem last year, the unit has even more youth heading into 2026.
One spot that is a little underrated is running back, as Hunt mentions. The Steelers lost their reception leader in Kenneth Gainwell, but Rico Dowdle is certainly a suitable replacement. He ran for 1,000 yards under Mike McCarthy back in 2024 and replicated that feat with Carolina last year.
The tandem of Dowdle and Jaylen Warren could quietly be one of the best across the league.
Defensively, perhaps the biggest Steelers addition this offseason will be a new voice in Patrick Graham. He’s also got some new tools to work with.
Pittsburgh found a running mate for Joey Porter Jr. in Jamel Dean, with the two figuring to be a solid starting duo. Jalen Ramsey should be more comfortable moving around the defense. The Steelers also made some solid depth additions at safety, including Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage.
There’s a new staff in place, so we’ll have to see how things shake out. But on paper, the Steelers look more complete.
However, their biggest test might be how much the rest of the division improved. A 10-7 record was enough to win the AFC North last year, with everyone else having a losing record.
There was plenty of change across the division this offseason, but also an argument for each team to improve.
If Lamar Jackson can stay healthy, Baltimore may get better.
Cincinnati has plenty of offensive talent and some big additions defensively.
While the quarterback situation is still unsettled in Cleveland, the Browns are slowly putting together a talented roster.
Regardless, Hunt expects the Steelers to be in the mix again after an impressive offseason.
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