Aging superstar Aaron Rodgers and a coaching overhaul face a daunting climb as resurging division rivals threaten to topple the Pittsburgh Steelers from their precarious AFC North throne.
With Aaron Rodgers under center last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers did just enough to win an AFC North that was beleaguered by injury.
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals should be better in the upcoming season, though the Steelers should be better than the Cleveland Browns by a mile if Rodgers returns.
The hopes for the Steelers rest with Rodgers playing this fall, though the team stopped short of going full rebuild under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy.
Kevin Patra of NFL Media listed the Steelers as the No. 1 division winner from last season most at risk to lose the title in 2026, noting that even Rodgers might not be able to overcome changes in the AFC North.
"Pittsburgh eked out an AFC North title last season on a missed Ravens field goal as time expired in Week 18," Patra wrote. "The Steelers saw Mike Tomlin step down, replacing him with 62-year-old Mike McCarthy. Pittsburgh is once again in the middle of Aaron Rodgers drama. Even if the future Hall of Famer plays, he’s still 42.
"Rodgers played well in spurts last year, but wasn’t a top-15 QB. The Steelers finally improved their weaponry with the additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and second-round receiver Germie Bernard, but there remain significant questions about what the offense will look like with an aging QB. If Rodgers ultimately decides not to play, those issues are magnified."
Patra believes the Steelers won't improve their win total from last season, and the Ravens or Bengals will likely surpass that win total.
"The Ravens and Bengals each improved this offseason. A new coaching staff in Baltimore should bring life to the team, particularly on defense. Cincinnati bolstered a moribund defense significantly," he wrote.
"If Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson stay healthy, 10 wins isn’t taking the division again."
The Steelers could be playing for a spot in the wild card this fall. Making the playoffs would be a positive for McCarthy, but the team has a painful process to go through before they chase a Super Bowl.
The Steelers will need to build around a new quarterback and add younger pieces on defense before the team is ready to build a new dynasty.