The Pittsburgh Steelers once had one of the better defenses in the NFL, but that is clearly not the case anymore. The group gave up some of the most explosive plays in the NFL during the 2025 season, and the unit was not consistent in the slightest. The problem is that the defensive side of the ball is showing its age very quickly while still getting paid like the best defense in football. A lot of resources are being poured into the unit, while the results just have not been there to match. The offense has struggled with much less talent, which almost makes the defense a little bit more of a concern.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy smiles as he addresses the media during his introductory press conference that took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers have been in "win now" mode for the last several seasons, and that has upset a large portion of the fan base, knowing the team hasn't actually been a true contender. It has been clear and obvious that this team does not have what it takes to be considered legitimate in the AFC, especially without an established franchise quarterback. Dan Graziano of ESPN spoke about this on Thursday's edition of Get Up, where he spoke about how he believes that the organization overvalues its current roster.
"To your point about the defense though, that defense, I don't think it underachieved," Graziano said. "It was getting old and it played like an old defense last year. Are they going to major changes on that side of the ball? It doesn't look like it. You have to be honest with yourself about what you have. I think the Steelers overrate their roster the last couple of years and think, 'Oh, we're a quarterback away from contending with the rest of this league.' I don't think that defense is that anymore."
Most fans in Pittsburgh should and would probably agree with this take. TJ Watt is still a game-wrecker, but he has certainly lost a step. Who knows how long Cam Heyward has left, and Jalen Ramsey looked like a shell of himself at times during the 2025 season. There is no doubting that the defense is not what it used to be, and Pittsburgh is certainly more than just a quarterback away from being considered a legitimate contender.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers Team President and Owner Art Rooney II holds a slight grin while talking to the media.
Pittsburgh has had many chances to shake things up and change the future of the organization for the better. The team has been trying to trade for players at the past two trade deadlines, rather than selling off some of their older talent. The way this organization has been run over the last several seasons has left many fans confused, and the franchise continues to dig itself a bigger hole the more that it refuses to go through some sort of traditional rebuild.
The Steelers can do well enough with some plug-and-play veteran quarterback, but the end result is likely not going to change. The organization continues to operate in the same manner and fans want significant change.
Steelers Could Be Showing Signs Of Significant Change
The Steelers have not completely changed their organizational philosophy, but fans can probably tell there is a slight difference in how things are being run. Former head coach Mike Tomlin had a lot of say in decisions towards the end of his career, and with him gone, General Manager Omar Khan can operate and make decisions largely on his own. Pittsburgh has made some signings that hopefully make the team better, although there were probably flashier acquisitions to be made.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @: JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The quarterback position is still up in the air, but it didn't sound like the Steelers had offered Aaron Rodgers a contract when he spoke with Pat McAfee earlier this month. That's a good sign things might be changing.
What do you think of Graziano's comments? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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