The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up their 2026 preseason and are on the clock as the hours count down to the NFL's roster cutdown deadline. By 6 p.m. Easter Time on Sunday, all 32 teams must have their initial 53-man roster set, which means making the painful decision to cut over 35 players.
Many of these decisions won't come easily. The Steelers proved to be deep at positions like cornerback and linebacker, but it's a numbers game, and not everyone can stay. Some of the players cut will circle back to Pittsburgh's 16-man practice squad, while others will wave goodbye to the organization.
There are some roster bubble players on the cusp of making the team, but that will be up to Mike McCarthy and the coaching staff to decide. These are some difficult decisions, and there are sure to be some fan favorites and camp darlings getting the axe as the Steelers finalize their 53-man roster.
As accurately and objectively as possible, I took one final stab at predicting the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster as cutdowns are about to ensue.
Final Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction for the 2026 season
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
This one won't come as a surprise. After cutting rookie kicker Laith Marjan on August 23, kicker Chris Boswell, punter Cameron Johnston, and long snapper Christian Kuntz are the only three remaining specialists on the roster. Johnston's job was perhaps the most iffy, but the lack of competition at punter shows the Steelers are comfortable moving forward with the veteran for the 2026 season.
Defensive line (6): Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Yahya Black, Gabriel Rubio
The Steelers have a deep defensive line group, but six feels like the magic number here. Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Yahya Black are roster locks, which means there is only room for one more. I have the Steelers going with rookie sixth-round pick Gabriel Rubio, who came on strong late in August. This means veterans Dean Lowry and Esezi Otomewo will be sent packing.
Edge rusher (4): T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer
This group was essentially set in stone from Day 1 of the offseason. Outside of a rare trade, there was never a shot of T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, or Alex Highsmith missing the cut. Historically, this team keeps just four edge rushers/outside linebackers. Jack Sawyer had a firm grasp on the fourth spot from the beginning. Though Jamin Davis put up a fight, it likely wasn't enough for the Steelers to consider devoting a valuable roster spot to a fifth edge rusher.
Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
When the Steelers entered training camp, it looked like one of Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, or Carson Bruener would get the squeeze. Harrison fell to the third-team defense during the summer, and with Elandon Roberts recently rejoining the team, the decision is easy. Releasing Harrison would also save the Steelers $4.75 million in salary cap space, per Over the Cap. Assuming Pittsburgh keeps five linebackers, Holcomb and Bruener are both safe.
Cornerbacks (6): Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, Brandin Echols
Assuming the Steelers can get Joey Porter Jr. back on the field, I have the Steelers keeping five veteran cornerbacks plus third-round rookie Daylen Everette. The combination of Porter, Jalen Ramsey, Jamel Dean, and Asante Samuel Jr. makes an excellent core, and I have Brandin Echols as CB depth. Sadly, this means that training camp standout Doneiko Slaughter misses the 53-man roster. He's a candidate to circle back to the practice squad.
Safeties (4): DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins, Robert Spears-Jennings
Because I have the Steelers keeping six cornerbacks—and because Ramsey can masquerade as a safety when asked—I have the Steelers keeping just four true safeties on the 53-man roster. With DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker starting, veteran Rayshawn Jenkins can serve as a backup, while rookie Robert Spears-Jennings will primarily play special teams. Sebastian Castro and Jack Henderson miss the cut.
Offensive line (9): Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Max Iheanachor, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson, Gennings Dunker, Brock Hoffman, Broderick Jones
There's a chance the Steelers go with just eight offensive linemen this year. If they do, the odd man out is obvious: Broderick Jones. The 2023 first-round pick underwhelmed this summer when put to the test, and his job could be on the line. However, a trade feels more likely than straight-up cutting the former top draft pick. At the same time, you can never have enough OL depth, and Broderick is at least deserving of an NFL roster spot.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan, Riley Nowakowski (TE/FB)
This group has looked clearly defined for a few weeks now. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington will split TE1 responsibilities, while veteran Robert Tonyan—who had a strong summer—will be next in line. Rookie fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski is really more of a hybrid H-back and fullback than a true tight end, but will round out this group, as he serves a niche role on offense and will play special teams (much like Connor Heyward did for the Steelers over the past four years).
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson, Kaden Wetjen
I seriously contemplated keeping just five wide receivers. However, this likely would require the Steelers to cut ties with 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson, as Ben Skowronek is a core special teams player (and Aaron Rodgers' best friend on the team), while Kaden Wetjen was drafted to be the primary kick and punt return man. I have McCarthy keeping a deep group at the position on the initial roster.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer
Surprised to see Kaleb Johnson miss out on the Steelers' 53-man roster? I would have been too a month ago. While I still think Johnson has a shot, he's firmly on the bubble. But third-string running backs need to offer special teams value, and Johnson has not proven that he does. Meanwhile, the Steelers brought in Travis Homer to be their special teams ace. McCarthy might feel more comfortable with this grouping, and they can elevate someone like Lew Nichols from the practice squad in the event of an injury.
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar
I really believe the Steelers are exploring ways to get all four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster. But when you break it down by position, this becomes a daunting task. There are really only three positional groups the team can cut back on—offensive line, wide receiver, or off-ball linebacker. However, each one of these would require parting ways with a draft pick or notable player (like Broderick Jones, Roman Wilson, or Cole Holcomb/Carson Bruener).
It's possible the Steelers go this route, and McCarthy wants to make sure they have their options open at quarterback for 2027 and beyond. But it's just not feasible to keep four QBs—even if it's just on the initial roster. And considering Will Howard couldn't beat out Mason Rudolph for the QB2 job, he's the quarterback getting squeezed.
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