Tom Arth and Aaron Rodgers in Latrobe, PA.

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 10, 2026, 8:32 AM

The final full media viewing session of Steelers Organized Team Activities concluded on June 9, with only a video-access period remaining before the spring portion of Pittsburgh’s offseason program ends later this week.

As of this writing, the Steelers are just 48 days away from reporting to St. Vincent College in Latrobe, a summer tradition that dates back to 1966. For players and coaches alike, the next chapter of roster competition is about to begin.

Through OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp, Pittsburgh has largely avoided the injury bug while showcasing one of its deepest rosters in recent memory. Add in a 2026 draft class that injected 10 new players into the organization, and what appears to be a strength on paper quickly becomes a difficult challenge behind the scenes.

The Steelers have long valued continuity, showing patience with homegrown talent and allowing young players time to develop within the system. While that philosophy has helped build depth across the roster, it also makes projecting the final 53-man squad a daunting exercise. There are simply more worthy candidates than available jobs.

That reality isn’t unique to Pittsburgh. Every NFL team will face difficult decisions before the league-mandated deadline of 6 p.m. ET on August 30, 2026. Between now and then, training camp battles will unfold, preseason performances will alter perceptions, and injuries could reshape the landscape entirely.

Still, with the foundation of the roster beginning to take shape, it’s never too early to examine the possibilities. Here is the first projection of how the Steelers’ 53-man roster could look when final cuts arrive later this summer.

Quarterbacks (4)

  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Mason Rudolph
  • Will Howard
  • Drew Allar

Total: 4

The quarterback room remains one of the most fascinating storylines on the roster. Aaron Rodgers enters camp as the unquestioned starter and the face of Mike McCarthy’s new era in Pittsburgh. Having a future Hall of Famer under center changes expectations throughout the building. Behind him, Mason Rudolph provides the type of veteran stability coaches covet, particularly in a room featuring two young developmental quarterbacks. Will Howard and Drew Allar represent different stages of the Steelers’ long-term planning. Howard enters his second season with a greater understanding of professional football, while Allar arrives as the newest investment in the position. Carrying four quarterbacks into the regular season would be unusual, but there is a strong argument for preserving both young passers while maximizing their development. McCarthy has consistently emphasized the value of the quarterback room throughout his coaching career, and Pittsburgh appears positioned to benefit from a healthy mixture of experience, leadership, and future potential at the game’s most important position.

Running Backs (3)

  • Jaylen Warren
  • Rico Dowdle
  • Kaleb Johnson
  • Bold Possibility – Eli Heidenreich edges out Johnson.

Total: 3

This group offers a balanced combination of proven production and upside. Jaylen Warren remains one of the Steelers’ most dependable offensive weapons, bringing toughness, versatility, and the ability to contribute in both the running and passing game.

Rico Dowdle arrives after producing quality football at the professional level and gives Pittsburgh another experienced option capable of handling a significant workload if needed. Kaleb Johnson rounds out the trio and may be a roster bubble guy as Heidenreich builds on strong off-season. Remember McCarthy wasn’t part of the draft acquisition process with Johnson so it leaves the door open for change.

With McCarthy expected to implement a more balanced offensive approach, the running back room should play a major role in helping establish offensive rhythm and protecting Rodgers throughout the long season ahead.

Fullback (1)

Riley Nowakowski

Total: 1

Perhaps one of the most intriguing roster projections is the inclusion of Riley Nowakowski as a dedicated fullback and hybrid offensive weapon. While traditional fullbacks have become increasingly rare across the NFL, teams continue to search for versatile players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. Nowakowski brings that type of flexibility. His ability to line up in the backfield, contribute on special teams, and provide additional blocking support gives him value beyond a traditional roster designation. For a Steelers team that wants to become more physical and multiple offensively, carrying a player like Nowakowski makes sense. He can help create mismatches while allowing offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio and McCarthy to expand the playbook. The battle for the final offensive roster spots will be fierce, but versatility often wins those contests. If Nowakowski proves he can fill several roles, his path to the 53-man roster becomes increasingly realistic.

Wide Receivers (6)

  • DK Metcalf
  • Michael Pittman Jr.
  • Germie Bernard
  • Roman Wilson (Possible Cut)
  • Ben Skowronek
  • Kaden Wetje
  • Bold Prediction – Another high end receiver is brought in to complete to core unit.

Total: 6

Few position groups on the roster have undergone a more dramatic transformation. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. instantly provide Pittsburgh with one of the league’s most physically imposing receiving duos. Their size, strength, and ability to win contested catches should create favorable matchups throughout the season.

Roman Wilson enters a critical third season after injuries limited his rookie campaign, while second-round pick Germie Bernard has already generated positive reviews throughout offseason practices. Bernard’s consistency and attention to detail have quickly earned praise from coaches. Ben Skowronek offers valuable experience and special teams contributions, while Kaden Wetjen brings dynamic return ability and explosiveness in space.

Together, the group offers a blend of veteran production, youthful upside, and versatility. With Rodgers distributing the football and McCarthy overseeing the offense, expectations are high for a receiver room that suddenly appears deeper and more talented than it has been in several years.

Tight Ends (3)

  • Pat Freiermuth
  • Darnell Washington
  • Riley Nowakowski

 

Total: 3

The Steelers may only carry two traditional tight ends, but both players project to play significant roles within the offense. Pat Freiermuth remains one of the most reliable targets on the roster and has established himself as a trusted weapon in critical situations. His route-running ability and dependable hands make him a natural security blanket for Rodgers.

Darnell Washington continues to develop into one of the NFL’s most unique offensive pieces. At his size, he provides tremendous value as both a blocker and pass catcher. Many around the organization believe Washington is poised for his most productive season yet under McCarthy’s system.

The presence of Riley Nowakowski as a hybrid fullback could lessen the need for a third tight end, allowing Pittsburgh to allocate roster spots elsewhere. Nowakowski appears to be a early sleeper heading into training camp.

If Washington takes another step forward and Freiermuth remains healthy, this duo could become one of the more productive tight end pairings in the AFC.

Offensive Line (9)

  • Troy Fautanu
  • Broderick Jones
  • Maxwell Iheanachor
  • Mason McCormick
  • Zach Frazier
  • Spencer Anderson
  • Dylan Cook
  • Ryan McCollum
  • Gennings Dunker
  • Bold Prediction – Jones is released or traded prior to cuts.

Total: 9

No position group may have a greater impact on the success of the 2026 Steelers than the offensive line. The development of Troy Fautanu remains critical as Pittsburgh attempts to build a younger, more athletic front. Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick appear poised to anchor the interior for years to come, while rookie Max Iheanachor represents one of the most intriguing developmental prospects on the roster. Depth is equally important, making players such as Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Ryan McCollum, and Gennings Dunker valuable pieces of the overall puzzle.

Broderick Jones who is recovery from a neck injury enters the final season in Pittsburgh barring some odd set of circumstances. It also appears that the neck setback hasn’t allowed him to use the weight room, anyone in attendance at OTAs would say Darnell Washington looks heavier than Jones.  

McCarthy’s offenses have traditionally succeeded when protected by strong offensive line play, and Pittsburgh has invested heavily in rebuilding this unit. The talent is evident. The challenge now becomes developing continuity and consistency. If this group can establish itself as a dependable unit, the offense has the potential to take a significant step forward during the 2026 season.

Defensive Line (9)

  • Cam Heyward
  • Keeanu Benton
  • Derrick Harmon
  • Yahya Black
  • Sebastian Joseph-Day
  • Dean Lowry
  • Logan Lee
  • Gabe Rubio
  • Esezi Otomewo

Total: 9

The Steelers have built this defensive line with a healthy balance of proven veterans and ascending young talent. Cam Heyward remains the standard bearer despite entering his 16th NFL season. Remarkably, the veteran continues to perform at an elite level and was recently graded as the top interior defensive lineman in football by PFF.

Alongside him, Keeanu Benton enters a pivotal third season after flashing dominant traits and establishing himself as a cornerstone piece moving forward. First-round pick in 2025 Derrick Harmon may possess the highest upside of the entire group and should immediately enter the defensive line rotation. Sebastian Joseph-Day and Dean Lowry provide veteran leadership and reliability, while Yahya Black, Logan Lee, Gabe Rubio, and Esezi Otomewo offer developmental upside and valuable depth. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has consistently relied on deep defensive line rotations throughout his career, making this one of the strongest and deepest units on the roster. If the younger players continue their development, Pittsburgh’s front could quickly become one of the NFL’s most disruptive groups.

Linebackers (8)

  • J. Watt
  • Alex Highsmith
  • Patrick Queen
  • Payton Wilson
  • Nick Herbig
  • Jack Sawyer
  • Cole Holcomb
  • Carson Bruener
  • Bold Prediction – Bruener beats out Malik Harrison.

Total: 8

This may ultimately become the strength of the entire football team. T.J. Watt remains one of the most feared defenders in football and continues to set the tone for the Steelers defense. Opposite him, Alex Highsmith provides consistent production and one of the league’s most complete edge defenders.

Nick Herbig’s emergence has only strengthened the position, giving Pittsburgh three legitimate pass-rushing threats capable of impacting games. Inside, Patrick Queen enters his third season in Pittsburgh looking to build upon a strong 2025 campaign, while Payton Wilson’s athleticism and range continue to generate excitement. Cole Holcomb returns healthy and brings veteran experience to the room.

 Jack Sawyer could prove to be one of the steals of the draft if his development continues on schedule, while Carson Bruener’s versatility and special teams value make him an intriguing addition. Few teams can match Pittsburgh’s combination of depth, experience, youth, and pass-rushing talent at linebacker, which should allow Patrick Graham to be aggressive throughout the season.

Defensive Backs (8)

  • Joey Porter Jr.
  • Jalen Ramsey
  • Jamel Dean
  • Jaquan Brisker
  • DeShon Elliott
  • Asante Samuel Jr.
  • Brandin Echols
  • Donte Kent

Total: 8

The secondary has undergone a dramatic makeover and now features arguably the most experienced group Pittsburgh has fielded in years. Joey Porter Jr. remains the centerpiece and enters a critical season with expectations of developing into a true No. 1 cornerback.

Jalen Ramsey remains more than capable of being a difference maker, especially in against the run. His presence alone is important especially with the addition of Jaquan Brisker who has brought real energy to the secondary.

 Jamel Dean provides another proven veteran capable of matching up with bigger receivers, while Asante Samuel Jr. and Brandin Echols bring valuable depth and competition.

At safety, DeShon Elliott give the Steelers a physical, aggressive tandem capable of supporting both the run and pass defense. Donte Kent rounds out the group and offers developmental upside along with special teams value.

While this unit lacks the depth of previous Steelers secondaries, the top-end talent is significantly improved. If Ramsey can still perform at a high level and Porter continues his ascent, Pittsburgh could finally field the type of secondary needed to complement its talented front seven.

Specialists (3)

  • Chris Boswell
  • Cameron Johnston
  • Cal Adomitis
  • Bold Prediction – Adomitis replaces Christian Kuntz

Total: 3

Championship-caliber teams often receive steady contributions from their specialists, and few organizations can match Pittsburgh’s consistency in this area. Chris Boswell

continues to be one of the most reliable kickers in football and remains a legitimate weapon whenever the offense crosses midfield. His recent contract extension reflects the confidence the organization has in his ability to perform in critical situations.

Cameron Johnston returns after battling through injury adversity and possesses one of the strongest legs in the NFL. Field position remains a hidden component of winning football games, and Johnston’s ability to flip the field provides tremendous value.

Christian Kuntz is truly one of the best guys on the roster. The idea of him not being on the roster simply makes me sad to be truthful. However, I have a hunch that at the end of the day former Pitt Panthers long-snapper Cal Adomitis will take over the duties in 2026.

While specialists rarely receive headlines, this trio gives the Steelers stability in all three phases of the kicking game. When games are decided by a handful of plays, that reliability can often be the difference between winning and losing.

 

 

 

 

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