The Pittsburgh Steelers were never bad under Mike Tomlin. They just were. A reliable playoff team that stopped mattering once they got there. That sameness finally wore thin, and after another first-round exit, Tomlin walked away. Into the void steps Mike McCarthy, a native of Pittsburgh who knows what a championship roster feels like and what happens when that feeling fades.
The last time McCarthy had a real quarterback — the Hall of Fame kind — he coached the Packers to a Super Bowl. Now he’s reunited with that same quarterback in a city that’s desperate for a jolt. Aaron Rodgers is 42, know his expiration date and has said this is it. One more year. One last run.
Here’s where the Steelers stand at each position group as training camp opens.
Quarterbacks
Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions last season. Those are still winning numbers. The concern is durability at his age — one bad hit could end it — but the arm is still there and the reads are still sharp. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard will battle for the backup job. Either one is serviceable.
Grade: 7.0
Running Backs
The Steelers don’t want Rodgers throwing 35 times a game. Enter Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Warren ran for 958 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Dowdle has put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with Dallas and Carolina. Both can carry the load and catch the ball. Coordinator Brian Angelichio should keep them fresh and keep the ground game effective.
Grade: 7.5
Receivers
DK Metcalf is the No. 1 target and he’s coming off a 59-catch, 850-yard year. McCarthy wants more. Michael Pittman (80-784-7 with the Colts) gives Rodgers a reliable second option. Rookie Germie Bernard could push for snaps. Tight end Darnell Washington blocks well but doesn’t scare anyone as a pass catcher.
Grade: 6.5
Offensive Line
This is where GM Omar Khan has spent serious draft capital. Troy Fautanu is the best lineman on the team, versatile enough to play either tackle. Broderick Jones is recovering from neck surgery but should start on the left side if healthy. Zach Frazier enters year three at center, right guard Mason McCormick played well last season and Spencer Anderson has the inside track at left guard.
Grade: 7.0
Defensive Line
The 3-4 scheme still runs through Cam Heyward. He’s 37 and still made second-team All-Pro last season. The Steelers rewarded him with an $18 million deal this offseason. Derrick Harmon had a nice rookie season (27 tackles, 3 sacks). Nose tackle Keanu Benton is playing for a contract extension this year.
Grade: 6.5
Linebackers
This group is the defense’s backbone. TJ Watt had only 7 sacks last season, which for him feels quiet. Expect a rebound. Alex Highsmith led the team with 9.5 sacks and can turn the corner in a hurry. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are the inside duo. Queen had 120 tackles last year. Wilson had 109. They fly around.
Grade: 8.0
Secondary
The secondary was a problem last season. So the team added cornerback Jamel Dean from Tampa Bay and free safety Jaquan Brisker from Chicago. Brisker has the instincts this defense has lacked at the back end. Rookies Daylen Everette and Robert Spears-Jennings will provide depth at corner and strong safety.
Grade: 7.0
Special Teams
Chris Boswell remains reliable and has legitimate range. He hit 9 of 11 field goals from 50-plus yards last year. Punter Cam Johnston is back after missing a season with injury. The return jobs are open, but Iowa rookie Kaden Wetjen will get a look at both punts and kicks.
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