Steelers Can't Leave Training Camp Without Answering These Four Questions

The Pittsburgh Steelers are less than two weeks away from reporting to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe for training camp. The Mike McCarthy era is about to begin, ushering in a new chapter of Steelers football. Pittsburgh enters camp after winning the AFC North title, but the team still has several important roster questions to answer.

The Steelers return many of their starters from 2025 while also strengthening positions such as wide receiver and cornerback. Even so, they need to leave training camp with these four questions answered.

Do the Steelers have sufficient depth at offensive tackle?

Pittsburgh encountered a major setback when Broderick Jones suffered an injury in 2025. It remains unclear when, or if, he will return in 2026. As a result, the Steelers moved Troy Fautanu to left tackle and used a first-round pick on offensive tackle Max Iheanachor. Now, the coaching staff must determine whether Fautanu, Iheanachor, and Dylan Cook provide enough depth heading into the season.

If the Steelers have even the slightest concern, expect general manager Omar Khan to make a move. A few trade options will likely be available, though none project as home-run additions. Still, they could provide valuable depth.

Is Drew Allar showing signs of growth?

Drew Allar has the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only does he get to work with quarterback whisperer Mike McCarthy, but he also will essentially be redshirted behind Aaron Rodgers. If he wants to convince the Steelers to pass on drafting a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft, he'll need to show meaningful growth.

His mechanics, decision-making, and processing will all be under the microscope during training camp. Allar is a lottery ticket who could hit the jackpot if McCarthy can replicate his quarterback-development success. Otherwise, he could settle into a career as an NFL backup.

Does Aaron Rodgers trust the offensive line?

The Steelers are no longer running the Mike Tomlin-Arthur Smith offense. McCarthy's system stretches the field more and features a much deeper passing-game concept tree. For it to succeed, however, Rodgers will need to trust his offensive line.

Rodgers' quick-release approach last season was partly by design in Smith's offense, but it also reflected his level of trust in the protection. When he had time, he showed he could still push the ball downfield effectively. The offensive line will face plenty of tests during training camp and early in the regular season. If the unit keeps Rodgers upright, he should be able to operate with confidence. That trust, however, must begin to develop in training camp.

Is this defense for real or fool's gold?

Teryl Austin is no longer the Steelers' defensive coordinator. In his place steps Patrick Graham, who brings an intriguing new approach to the defense. The Steelers have plenty of talent on that side of the ball, but is this unit the real deal or simply fool's gold? While the roster is talented, several key contributors are aging. That doesn't mean those veterans can't still produce at a high level.

The defense needs to get off to a fast start and look better than it did in 2025. If it doesn't, the Steelers could be in for a long season regardless of how the offense performs.