Steelers Now
Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has big expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
The Pittsburgh Steelers believe they have constructed a roster to contend for another AFC North title and hopefully a Super Bowl in 2026. However, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger revealed how realistic he thinks those expectations really are.
“12-5,” Roethlisberger predicted the Steelers will finish on his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast. “I know sometimes new offenses, new coaches, you can struggle. I just think that Aaron’s [Rodgers] gonna thrive more in this offense that he knows. I think he’ll be able to bring the guys with him. I think the line will be a year better knowing each other, playing together, adding some additions, some subtractions. I think the additions at skill positions will be huge.”
A 12-5 record would certainly give the Steelers a good chance of winning the AFC North in back-to-back years. It is also just one more win than they had a season ago, which is fairly reasonable following a very productive offseason.
On offense, Pittsburgh traded for veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., signed running back Rico Dowdle in free agency and added Alabama’s Germie Bernard in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
On defense, the team signed veteran cornerback Jamel Dean, former second-round safety Jaquan Brisker and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day.
However, there’s no arguing against the fact that the Steelers’ success in 2026 will fall on the shoulders of Rodgers once again.
The four-time NFL MVP played well last season, passing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. But only time will tell if he can continue having that kind of production in his 22nd season, during which he will turn 43.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Big Ben Predicts Steelers Record For 2026 Season
