Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers reunite for a final title run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but experts question if savvy roster additions can overcome a revitalized and dangerous AFC North.
With Mike Tomlin out, there are some who think the Pittsburgh Steelers should have decided to part ways with veterans on the roster this offseason who make a large cap hit.
The Steelers didn't appear to have a roster that could compete for a Super Bowl last season, though quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the team to a playoff appearance after winning the AFC North.
Pittsburgh decided to hire Mike McCarthy to replace Tomlin. Rodgers is set to reunite with McCarthy before the four-time MVP enters retirement at the end of the season.
Did the Steelers do enough to contend for a Super Bowl?
Probably not.
Matt Okada of NFL Media gave the Steelers a "B" grade for their offseason. He thinks Pittsburgh made savvy enough moves during the spring, but it might not be enough to make the team a legit contender.
"Fortunately, the front office did work to improve the rest of the roster in advance, trading for Pittman, signing RB Rico Dowdle, and drafting OT Max Iheanachor and WR Germie Bernard to reinforce the offense," Okada wrote. "Pittsburgh also improved the secondary with Dean and safeties Darnell Savage and Jaquan Brisker.
"Still, this was an offseason of merely slight improvements for Pittsburgh. Will it be enough -- and, in turn, does the 42-year-old Rodgers have enough left in the tank -- to get the Steelers past the Wild Card Round for the first time in nine years? Time will tell."
The problem for the Steelers is that the AFC North is set to be much more competitive this fall than it was in 2025. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow missed much of last season due to injury.
The Bengals appear to be making an aggressive push to make a Super Bowl run this season. The Ravens could rebound under new head coach Jesse Minter.
The Steelers could see improved production from Rodgers in his second season with the team. He'll be more familiar with the players in the locker room.
Rodgers will benefit from the trade for Michael Pittman Jr. to complement DK Metcalf. If the offense is better, the Steelers will have a chance to make it to the postseason.
From there, anything's possible.
