We are entering a lull in the offseason, but with so many new faces and thoughts, it seems like the perfect time to throw together a roster prediction for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a team full of new players, so the roster could be pretty unpredictable.
From a massive rookie class to a sprinkling of notable free agents, this roster will look very different. However, time will tell if the Steelers actually see any different results.
We still have a long way to go in determining who is ultimately cut out for this roster. Here is my early look at the most likely way this roster shakes down.
Pittsburgh Steelers far too early 2026 roster prediction
QB (3): Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Drew Allar
For better or worse, the Steelers will ride into another season with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. The veteran was competent last year, although the end results were nothing amazing.
Also a lock is Drew Allar. Despite his raw nature, you aren’t going to cut a third round pick.
After that, it gets interesting. The Steelers have spoken highly of Will Howard, but would the team be interested in not having a veteran as the top backup in a win-now season? I think there is a real case that Howard is the odd man out on this roster.
However, the team has spoken highly of him and is giving him every opportunity to prove himself. I’ll tentatively put him down as the backup for now.
RB/FB (5): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, Eli Heidenreich, Riley Nowakowski
The team has flexibility with some of the players they drafted, and they should make good use of that with a creative roster.
The top two names are set in stone. Kaleb Johnson is lukewarm, and he certainly needs a great camp to stick around. Given the number of special teams players that have been added to the roster, I think you can justify keeping the former third-round pick even if he can’t be a core special teams player.
I listed Riley Nowakowski here, given that his first role will be as a fullback. That said, I think he can give you tight end snaps (spoiler alert).
Rounding out the room is Eli Heidenreich. The versatile player should be a valuable special teams player (thus the team keeps him over Travis Homer) while also providing some potential offense as a runner and receiver.
WR (5): D.K. Metcalf, Michael Pittman, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Kaden Wetjen
The first shock of this roster prediction comes with former third-round pick Roman Wilson being off the roster. He had a chance to show that he could improve upon his disappointing rookie season, but he failed to do so. He could easily feel the squeeze.
The rest of the room is chalk beyond that. The top three are already known, and it feels like Kaden Wetjen is locked into his spot as a return specialist and gadget receiver. Ben Skowronek isn’t a lock, but he is one of the best special teams players in the league and can be a dependable depth receiver if needed.
While five receivers (with two of them being special teams assets first) feels light, Heidenreich can fill in at receiver in a pinch, and the team can carry some more veteran option on the practice squad to call upon if needed.
TE (2): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington
I’m also going light at tight end, but the traditional third options are unspectacular. Nowakowski can fill in as a third option, as can Spencer Anderson as a jumbo tight end.
Beyond that, the top two names are set and, honestly, spectacular. Pat Freirmuth is a steady pass catcher, while Darnell Washington is a monster blocker with decent receiving chops. Despite missing depth at the backend, this is a talented group overall.
OL (9): Troy Fautanu, Gennings Dunker, Zach Fraizer, Mason McCormick, Max Iheanachor, Dylan Cook, Brock Hoffman, Spencer Anderson, Broderick Jones
This feels like a mostly set group at this point. The real question is who aligns where and who ultimately starts.
I do put Broderick Jones on this list, but he feels the least secure. Partly due to his injury, partly due to Max Iheanachor, Jones could miss this team entirely even if he is healthy. I’m sure another team would be willing to trade for some tackle depth.
DL (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Esezi Otomewo, Kevin Jobity
Another surprise! I’ll find a way to keep one undrafted free agent on this team. Of all the names, Kevin Jobity has the most potential and has enough pass-rushing juice to win out over fellow rookie Gabriel Rubio.
The top five are locks beyond that. I’ll give the early edge to Esezi Otomewo for the final spot. He has some pass-rushing juice to his game, and that is something this team needs on the depth chart.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Chalk. No one here is threatening for a roster spot. The only change that will come will be by way of injury.
LB (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
A group that underwhelmed last year seemed to be a lot of smoke that a notable change would occur. Nothing materialized, though, and the Steelers will enter into 2026 with the same five as last year. Payton Wilson is entering a critical year and needs to take that next step for this group to thrive.
CB (5): Joey Porter Jr, Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel, Brandin Echols, Daylen Everette
Going heavy in the secondary as the team can afford it. The top four feel like locks, with Daylen Everette lined up to develop and play on special teams while Brandin Echols is depth in the slot. Six feels rich considering Jalen Ramsey figures to play free safety and slot defender.
S (5): Jalen Ramsey. DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, Sebastian Castro, Robert Spears-Jennings
Ramsey will play all over the field, while Deshon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker will man the safety spots when Ramsey isn’t playing there. Sebastian Castro and Robert Spears-Jennings will ideally play very little on defense and can serve as special teams options.
ST: Chris Boswell, Christian Kuntz, Cameron Johnston
Chris Boswell is going nowhere after inking his mega contract. Christan Kuntz and Cameron Johnston have no competition as of now. That said, don’t write either name in pen once camp gets underway, assuming some depth is added.
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