The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their roster through free agency signings and a trade for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. following Mike Tomlin's retirement and the hiring of Mike McCarthy as head coach. Analysts offer differing views, with some praising the additions and others questioning the lack of a rebuild. The team won the AFC North last season but failed to secure a playoff victory.
After winning the AFC North in 2025 without advancing in the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason with roster needs exposed. General manager Omar Khan addressed several positions aggressively. The team traded for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., acquiring him in a salary cap dump deal involving a late-round draft pick swap. Khan also signed cornerback Jamel Dean, safety Jaquan Brisker, running back Rico Dowdle, defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., interior offensive lineman Brock Hoffman, and running back/special teams player Travis Homer, many on reasonable or low-risk contracts including one-year deals for Brisker and others. These moves come after Mike Tomlin's retirement, with Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach and calling plays to improve the offense. Owner Art Rooney II opted against a full rebuild, aiming to compete for a Super Bowl. Analyst Bill Barnwell criticized the approach on his podcast, calling it the 'most frustrating offseason' and a 'total disconnect from reality.' He noted, 'You would think Mike Tomlin retiring would be like, “Okay, we tried to squeeze that one more, long playoff run from Tomlin out.”' Barnwell acknowledged talents like Dean and Brisker but saw McCarthy as a downgrade. In contrast, Mina Kimes described the roster as 'kind of stacked' on her podcast, identifying quarterback as the only glaring need. She highlighted an improving offensive line, strong defensive line, and enhanced secondary. Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltan Buday labeled the free agency period 'excellent,' praising the Pittman trade—now with an extension lowering his 2026 cap hit—as the best move and noting no worst moves. The Steelers hold 12 draft picks to address quarterback and other spots.