Some analysts have expressed concerns about the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the 2026 season. Mike Tomlin retired after 19 years as the team's head coach, and Mike McCarthy now returns home to lead the franchise. Despite the Steelers making several significant moves this offseason, some believe bringing back Aaron Rodgers won't be enough to elevate the team. However, not every national analyst shares that skepticism. In fact, one former Steelers Super Bowl champion believes Pittsburgh still has a few surprises in store.
Willie Colon appeared on Good Morning Football, where he urged the crew not to overlook the Steelers in 2026.
“The Steelers are going to be sneaky. They're gonna be dangerous, man. I don’t think people are giving them enough credit,” Colon said. “Old man Aaron Rodgers, he has a lot up his sleeve.”
Is the NFL Sleeping on the Steelers?
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Colon knows a thing or two about playing on teams that people overlook. He won a Super Bowl with the 2008 Steelers, a team that faced what was widely considered the toughest schedule in NFL history. That challenging path led many preseason analysts to doubt Pittsburgh's chances as a legitimate contender. Colon also spent years playing alongside a future Hall of Fame quarterback. So, is he right that the NFL may be sleeping on the Steelers?
On one hand, the Steelers have reached the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, including winning the AFC North last year. On the other hand, the franchise enters a new era filled with significant changes. Many of the criticisms of Rodgers' 2025 season have become lazy talking points that ignore how heavily his performance was shaped by the previous offensive system. Now, Rodgers returns to a scheme where he previously enjoyed tremendous success.
The Steelers have also reshaped their wide receiver room by acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. to solidify the WR2 role. Meanwhile, the defense remains largely intact and has added talent to strengthen the secondary. Ultimately, Colon believes Rodgers still has one more trick up his sleeve. If he's right, Pittsburgh's ceiling may depend on the veteran quarterback.
The Steelers Will Go as Far as Rodgers Takes Them
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We've seen the Steelers' defense carry this team before. From 2021 through 2023, Pittsburgh lacked a legitimate offensive attack. The unit took a step forward in 2024, but it still had clear limitations. Rodgers then stepped into an offense that relied heavily on the running game because it was the only way Arthur Smith's passing attack could consistently function. Now, Rodgers has an offense that should allow for a more diverse and aggressive passing game.
The biggest difference between much of the national media and Colon comes down to perspective. Their outlooks sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. However, they do agree on one thing: the Steelers will go only as far as Rodgers takes them. The defense also needs to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season. If Rodgers' play declines, Pittsburgh's 2026 campaign likely will as well.
But if Rodgers truly has one more trick up his sleeve for his last dance, the Steelers just might surprise everyone.
