The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator to lead their high-spending unit. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic called Graham the team's most intriguing new addition this offseason.
Graham takes over a defense that ranks as the NFL's most expensive for the fifth straight season. The Steelers plan to spend $195.3 million on the unit in 2026.
In his prior role with the Las Vegas Raiders, Graham worked with far smaller budgets, including just $56.2 million in 2023. That year the Raiders ranked ninth in points allowed.
DeFabo noted Graham's reputation for maximizing talent-deficient defenses. He wrote that the Steelers now face the opposite challenge with a roster featuring multiple Pro Bowlers and potential Hall of Famers.
The Raiders allowed 317.8 yards per game in 2025 compared with the Steelers' 356.9. Graham's task is to improve performance relative to the Steelers' spending.
