The Pittsburgh Steelers are less than two weeks away from the Latrobe heat igniting training camp. The sun’s intensity will blanket the Saint Vincent College campus, but the heat of competition will also radiate from Chuck Noll Field. Several key position battles could make or break the Steelers’ 2026 season.
Pittsburgh made several roster moves this offseason that it hopes will pay dividends. Head coach Mike McCarthy is bringing a new offense and a new coaching staff tasked with maximizing the Steelers’ talent. If everything comes together, the team could build on its 2025 AFC North title and take another step forward in 2026. Here are the roster battles that will define that pursuit.
Offensive tackle
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It might feel like beating a dead horse, but offensive tackle remains the second-most crucial piece of this offensive puzzle. McCarthy’s offenses rely heavily on tackles winning one-on-one battles. That success stresses defenses in coverage and, if the quarterback has enough time, allows the offense to stretch the field.
Dylan Cook appears primed to start at right tackle. If he can elevate his game, the Steelers will be in good shape. However, if he struggles to hold off their first-round rookie, Max Iheanachor, concerns could quickly emerge. Make no mistake: this position alone could either sink the offense or help propel it forward.
Wide receiver 3
An underrated battle is developing between Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard. Bernard has already drawn Randall Cobb comparisons, while Wilson enters a pivotal third season. Wilson has flashed the playmaking ability the Steelers need at wide receiver. However, he must prove he can remain consistent and refine his route running.
Bernard faces an uphill battle, especially with Aaron Rodgers’ preference for working with veteran receivers. Still, Bernard could carve out an impactful role alongside Rodgers and within the Steelers’ offense as the season progresses. Who’s to say they cannot develop a connection earlier?
Free safety
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As things currently stand, Jalen Ramsey is the incumbent at free safety. However, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham does not want to limit Ramsey to that role. Because of that, someone else must step up and establish himself at the position. The ideal candidate may be Jaquan Brisker, whom the Steelers signed in free agency. He is a serviceable option, but the question remains: Can he be the answer for 2026?
Free safeties like the Steelers had with Minkah Fitzpatrick do not grow on trees. Graham will have a challenging task determining how to deploy the safeties on his roster while still moving Ramsey around the defense as he desires.
