With the 2026 NFL Draft officially in the rearview mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster is starting to take shape for the upcoming season. While we anticipate a few more moves—most notably the eventual arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers—it's unlikely any other positions will see a new starter at this point in the offseason. So, let's break down our post-draft predictions for the Steelers' Week One starting offense.
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers
When Rodgers finally joins the team, all will be forgiven. He'll be the starter, for better or worse, bringing veteran leadership and a Hall of Fame arm to the Steel City.
Running Back: Jaylen Warren (with Rico Dowdle as No. 2)
We expect Jaylen Warren to earn the starting nod, with Rico Dowdle slotting in as the primary backup. However, look for both backs to split carries fairly evenly in an offense that wants to establish the run early and often.
Wide Receivers (Three-Wide Set):
In today's NFL, a three-wide receiver set is almost base offense. This unit will feature a mix of veterans and rookies, with Germie Bernard—a promising rookie—seeing a heavy workload in the right matchups. Keep an eye on him as a potential breakout player.
Tight End: Pat Freiermuth
We're counting on 2026 to be a comeback year for Freiermuth. It's unclear why former coaches Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith didn't utilize him more, but new head coach Mike McCarthy is expected to be smarter with his play-calling. Darnell Washington will still see plenty of action in two-tight-end sets, but Freiermuth will be the go-to guy this season.
Offensive Line: New Look at Left Tackle and Left Guard
This is where we expect the most significant changes. With Broderick Jones dealing with injury issues, a new starting left tackle will emerge. Additionally, Isaac Seumalo's departure opens up the left guard spot. Both positions will be highly contested and could come down to the final week of preseason to determine the starters.
As the Steelers gear up for the season, these predictions give fans a glimpse of what to expect. Whether you're stocking up on Steelers gear or just getting hyped for kickoff, one thing is certain: this offense will have a new identity in 2026.