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The 2026 season could be a year to remember for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only are they entering a new era with Mike McCarthy at head coach, but it is also Aaron Rodgers’ last season in the NFL. That should give Pittsburgh plenty of motivation to put together a special season for their 42-year-old quarterback.
The Steelers made some excellent roster moves over the past few months and have looked sharp early in their offseason program. Pittsburgh has all of the talent needed to make some noise in the postseason, so long as Rodgers can stay healthy.
But if the Steelers really want to have a special season, they may need one or two young players to step up in 2026. That could give them enough of a boost to compete for a Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh does have a few under-the-radar players who could surprise the NFL this fall. If they play at a high level, Pittsburgh could go on another deep playoff run.
Two Steelers players stand out as hidden gems that fans need to know about before the 2026 season.
The Steelers suddenly have too many offensive weapons after acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this offseason. But one rookie Steelers player could have a surprisingly big role this fall.
Pittsburgh drafted running back Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Heidenreich played college football at Navy, which is about as far from a pro-style offense as there is.
Looking at the stat sheet, it is hard to tell that Heidenreich is actually a running back. He logged 169 carries for 1,157 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during his three years at Navy. The receiving game is where he shined, logging 109 receptions for 1,994 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns as a receiver.
Pittsburgh’s new running backs coach, Ramon Chinyoung, praised the rookie for his wide variety of skills after balling out in OTAs.
“He’s been in my room every day. He is a Swiss Navy knife; I told him to patent that,” Chinyoung said, per Ari Meyer of Sports Illustrated. “Great kid, does a great job of just meshing with the guys and relationships, but also taking the time to learn the scheme, identifying where he fits.”
Heidenreich maintains that the running back position is still his primary position. However, Steelers fans have to be curious how well he would hold up as a slot receiver.
Ultimately, the challenge for the Steelers will be figuring out how best to use Heidenreich during his rookie season. A good start spot could be giving him snaps on third downs as a scat back in obvious passing situations.
Perhaps Heidenreich could compete for kick and punt return duties too.
This one is a case of a potentially elite player at a position that is often overlooked in the modern NFL.
Steelers defensive tackle Yahya Black is...
