The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in limbo until Aaron Rodgers makes up his mind, one way or another. If Rodgers returns for another season, the Steelers would at least have a high floor for 2026 and could win 9 or 10 games.
However, another 9-8 or 10-7 season doesn't really do this franchise any favors. The best course of action might be for Rodgers to retire and for the Steelers to look to the development of Will Howard or Drew Allar.
Being able to successfully develop a young quarterback would actually put this franchise on the right track for the first time since the prime Ben Roethlisberger seasons. One huge factor in the quarterback development process is being able to field a competent offensive line, a quarterback's best friend. Fortunately, the Steelers have an offensive line spilling with young talent, and this underrated interior player could end up breaking out in a major way in 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick listed as a breakout player for 2026 by PFF
For PFF, Bradley Locker listed Mason McCormick as a breakout player along the offensive line for the team in 2026, noting his improvement in PFF grade from year one into year two:
"The Steelers have developed several homegrown offensive linemen on the rise in recent years, and McCormick could be the next breakout candidate.
The South Dakota State product was significantly better in his second year, with his overall PFF grade jumping from 57.7 to 72.9. Much of that improvement was fostered by late-season success. From Week 10 and later, McCormick was the 10th-best guard by overall grade (79.2), powered by his 81.0 PFF pass-blocking mark.
McCormick still has room to grow in the run game and in playing more steadily, but his work in pass protection could have him in improved standing under Mike McCarthy."
Turning 26 later this month, McCormick was a 4th-round pick back in the 2024 NFL Draft, playing in all 17 games during his rookie season and starting 14. McCormick was able to start all 17 games in 2025, as well, and as Locker notes, his PFF grade increased by nearly 20 points.
In that same draft, the Steelers were able to snag Zach Frazier, who has quickly cemented himself as one of the best centers in football. Tackle Troy Fautanu was also a part of that draft class, and he started all 17 games in 2025 as well.
With Frazier being a more notable player at the moment, and Fautanu emerging as a solid tackle option for the Steelers, McCormick's performance has not been given as much attention as it deserves. Ideally, this breakout prediction comes true, as in that instance, the Steelers' offensive line would actually become a legitimate strength.
And it's not a coincidence that some of the best teams in the NFL, like the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills, for example, all have top-tier offensive lines. Where Pittsburgh could gain a massive advantage, additionally, is having youth in this unit.
All of Fautanu, McCormick, and Frazier are only set to enter year three, and the 1st-round pick used on Max Iheanachor this year could also add yet another young stud into the mix. Sure, offensive lines don't really dominate headlines, but this group is, arguably, the second-most important unit on the football field.
Whether Rodgers comes back or not is irrelevant in this instance - Pittsburgh's offensive line has been built through the NFL Draft and is bursting at the seams with young talent. McCormick taking that next step in 2024 would suddenly make that offense a threat and would give whoever is playing quarterback a better chance at success.
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