Steelers predicted for 2026 bounce back after free agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a little tough to get a read on this offseason as Mike McCarthy takes over from Mike Tomlin.

The franchise has been active in free agency, getting whoever is at quarterback another weapon in Michael Pittman Jr., plus Rico Dowdle for the rushing attack.

But with quarterback still very much a question mark, some aren't sold on the Steelers amounting to anything substantial in 2026.

However, ESPN's Eric Moody has named the Steelers as the most improved team after the first wave of free agency.

"The Steelers," Moody wrote. "They took a meaningful step toward fixing their passing game by adding Pittman and signing him to an extension. The move finally gave DK Metcalf a legitimate running mate at receiver. Running back Rico Dowdle also adds depth and flexibility to the backfield alongside Jaylen Warren, giving Pittsburgh more options in the run game. The biggest question now is quarterback, which probably will determine how much noise the revamped Steelers offense can make in 2026."

More: ESPN questions Bills' $29 million free agency signing

Are Steelers improved?

Regardless of who the quarterback is, the Steelers now have two good receivers in DK Metcalf and Pittman Jr., and two good running backs in Jaylen Warren and Dowdle.

So that alone suggests the Steelers could be a little better on offense. 

We know what they will be defensively (we think), and with McCarthy taking over the offense, there is reason to think the Steelers might offer a lot more than the boring football they did last season.

Of course, there is still a lot to play out, and who their starting quarterback is is yet to be determined.

But either way, the Steelers appear, on paper, at least, to be in good shape.

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