One ESPN writer isn't buying Steelers' offensive overhaul

Nothing great stays the same. In the NFL, improvement is the only way to secure long-term success. The Pittsburgh Steelers worked hard this offseason to ensure the upcoming campaign shows real growth. Omar Khan made aggressive decisions to reshape the roster, and it was encouraging to see Pittsburgh add size and strength before the critical summer months. 

But according to Bill Barnwell, those investments will not be enough to help the Steelers reach new heights. Honestly, that prediction was hard to believe. 

According to Barnwell, the Steelers have the 21st-best skill position group in the NFL. Frankly, it’s an obvious slap in the face. Especially when realizing his opinion concerning the offense since last year. 

Barnwell also ranked Pittsburgh’s group 21st in the same category in 2025. There's been a massive overhaul since then, but the ranking hasn't changed. That’s a little concerning. 

Sure, Khan and the front office did not make blockbuster swings in recent months. But they did rally monumental players. The trade for Michael Pittman Jr. was widely accepted by a fan base begging for firepower. His dynamic route-running and size, paired with DK Metcalf, are mesmerizing. I expect the acquisition to yield results.

Soon after, the addition of rookie standout wide receiver Germie Bernard came during the 2026 NFL Draft. His raw talent and desire to make a splash instantly upgrade a serious need on Pittsburgh’s roster. 

Upgrades at wideout were clearly priorities Pittsburgh needed to fill immediately. Luckily, Bernard and Pittman Jr. have a competitive appetite and motivation to thrive. Add in an experienced gunslinger like Aaron Rodgers under center, and it's impossible to believe the Steelers offense has yet to improve. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers' new offensive weapons give Mike McCarthy an advantage in 2026

Adding playmakers on the outside was phase one of innovating McCarthy’s roster. Pittsburgh was also intentional with revamping the backfield. They signed Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12 million deal and invested in a high-profile lead blocker in Riley Nowakowski during the draft. The combination will cause havoc at the line of scrimmage. 

Dowdle is a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher who punishes opposing defenders when dishing out contact. A backfield rotation consisting of Dowdle, Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, and possibly Eli Heidenreich is a slight improvement from last season. 

Quarterback and tight end depth are the only areas in which Pittsburgh did not see much change. Sure, Drew Allar joined the QB room, but I expect him to use this year to learn behind an aging veteran similar to Will Howard’s introductory season. His role will be limited and will not make Pittsburgh a better team for the upcoming campaign. 

However, Darnell Washington signed a four-year, $42 million extension in early Summer—giving Pittsburgh a motivated freight train to target. Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward are no longer with the franchise, but their absence allows Pat Freiermuth to become a figure piece in McCarthy’s system. 

And I think he will fit beautifully. 

The rankings of the NFL’s most skilled offenses are curated annually. Each year, Barnwell voices his opinions on the league’s favorable powerhouses and unfavorable projects. But that does not mean the list becomes easier to agree with. Especially when Pittsburgh finds itself in similar territory. 

While Barnwell’s projections are solely based on what he believes each player will showcase throughout the 2026 season, they lack other key factors. The determination to improve from last season is more than a goal for Mike McCarthy’s unit. It’s an achievable goal. 

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