Behind the Steel Curtain
We are exactly nine Sundays from the Pittsburgh Steelers beginning their 2026 season against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. And after all the additions the Steelers made this offseason, compiling a top 10 players list for the 2026 season was a bit more challenging than it was in recent years.
My good friend Derrick Bell of Steelers Now does this exercise yearly, and you should absolutely read his list, as well. As a quick aside, I will follow Derrick’s lead here and go with offensive and defensive players only. Chris Boswell is great, but he will not be part of this list.
With all that out of the way, let’s dive in.
Hopefully we see more of Jaylen Warren in 2026 than we did last season when he played in just 50 percent of offensive snaps. Even so, he made the most of his touches, totaling a career-high 956 rushing yards, 333 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns. The Oklahoma State product is one of the best dual-threat backs in the league and needs to be used as such on a more consistent basis.
Metcalf had a down season in 2025, but some leeway can be given due to the fact that he as the only real threat the Steelers had at the position. The additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard should open things up for the two-time Pro Bowler and help him look like the player we saw in Seattle.
Somehow, the Steelers’ addition of Dean has gone largely under the radar despite the veteran cornerback having another strong season in 2025. He allowed just one touchdown as the nearest defender while picking off three passes. Dean also allowed just 22 receptions on 51 targets, and his target EPA of -28.3 was the second-best among qualified defensive backs, trailing only Jalen Pitre of the Houston Texans.
Fautanu had a fantastic season at right tackle in 2025 after missing the vast majority of his rookie campaign due to injury. Pittsburgh ranked 11th in success rate in rushes to the right side, per SumerSports. Now moving to the left side, he will be charged with protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side. If he can keep his sacks allowed number at or around the two he allowed in 2025, the Steelers and their quarterback will be very happy.
Highsmith had his best pass rushing season since 2022 when he put up 14.5 sacks. He notched 21 quick pressures, which were more than now-fellow-AFC North pass rusher Jared Verse and Danielle Hunter of the Houston Texans. His average time to sack of 4.37 seconds was also faster than Aidan Hutchinson and Myles Garrett.
I’ll put Watt at No. 5, and I’ll do it somewhat hesitantly. He hasn’t looked like T.J. Watt since 2023, totaling just 7.5 sacks last season. His 44...
