Steelers’ Biggest 2026 Free Agency Mistake: Why Ignoring Linebackers Could Ruin the Rodgers Era

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently trapped in a high-stakes staring contest with a 42-year-old quarterback, and the rest of the roster is paying the price. While GM Omar Khan pulled off a heist for wideout Michael Pittman Jr., he left a massive, gaping hole in the middle of the defense. By failing to upgrade the linebacker corps in the first week of 2026 free agency, the Steelers are betting everything on a defensive philosophy that already failed them last year.

The Linebacker Blind Spot

Pittsburgh entered the offseason needing a hammer in the “teeth” of their defense. Instead, they stood still. While the defensive line remained elite—ranking No. 3 in the NFL behind the ageless Cam Heyward—the second level was a disaster in 2025. Patrick Queen struggled to a 43.5 PFF grade, and Malik Harrison wasn’t much better at 55.1.

The market was flooded with options. Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean, and Quay Walker were all available to bring speed and youth to a unit that looked “old” throughout a 10-7 campaign. By passing on these upgrades, the Steelers are essentially asking T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to carry the entire front seven. That strategy forced the defense into a No. 25 ranking in yards allowed last season, surrendering a staggering 356.9 yards per game. You can’t win a Super Bowl with a defense that soft in the middle, regardless of who is under center.

High-Flying Weapons, Low-Floor Protection

The trade for Michael Pittman Jr. was brilliant. Adding a 6-foot-4 chain-mover to pair with DK Metcalf gives new head coach Mike McCarthy the most physical receiving duo in the AFC North. But these moves assume Aaron Rodgers returns and, more importantly, that Rodgers can still play.

In 2025, Rodgers showed clear signs of rust. He finished 13 games with under 250 passing yards. He lacked the mobility to escape pressure, yet the Steelers focused their limited resources on a cornerback, Jamel Dean, rather than reinforcing the protection or the middle of the defense. It feels like the front office is building a “highlight reel” team rather than a championship one.

“All we do is win here. I’m at the point of my career where I’m trying to chase another Super Bowl. It really comes to the little things. It’s really all about getting to the playoffs.”
— Jamel Dean, Steelers Cornerback

What’s Next: The Draft or Bust

With the first wave of free agency settled, the Steelers have backed themselves into a corner for the 2026 NFL Draft. They no longer have the luxury of taking the “Best Player Available.” They must find an immediate starter at inside linebacker in the first two rounds or risk another year of getting shredded in the run game.

If Rodgers signs by the end of the month, the hype in Pittsburgh will be deafening. But unless they fix the lack of speed at linebacker, the 2026 season will end exactly like 2025: a quick exit and a lot of “what ifs.”