These 3 Steelers Players Could Completely Change Their Futures After The 2026 Season

There are plenty of unknowns surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2026 season. For the first time in nearly two decades, Mike Tomlin is no longer the man in charge, and Mike McCarthy will now be steering the ship in the Steel City. Steelers fans have understandably grown impatient after watching their team go nearly a decade without winning a playoff game, with their last postseason victory coming during the 2016 season.

To change that, McCarthy and the Steelers know they'll need several players to emerge and deliver breakout performances in 2026. The roster features a mix of expensive veteran players and promising young talent on both sides of the ball. Even the special teams unit could take a step forward under new coordinator Danny Crossman. Meanwhile, Patrick Graham will oversee the defense, while Brian Angelichio takes over as offensive coordinator.

With so many new coaches and fresh faces throughout the organization, there are naturally plenty of questions. What is known, however, is that Pittsburgh should be playing a much different brand of football in 2026. And if the Steelers are going to get back to being legitimate contenders, they'll need some players to take their games to another level.

Here are three Steelers players that Steeler Nation should be watching closely for breakout seasons in 2026.

1) Payton Wilson

When the Steelers selected Payton Wilson with the 98th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, many fans felt they had landed a steal. After all, Wilson entered the league as the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year following a standout 2023 college football season. Concerns about his injury history and durability caused him to slide into the third round, but his growth from his rookie campaign to the 2025 season was impressive.

Now, with Teryl Austin no longer in Pittsburgh, Wilson is a player to keep a close eye on as a potential breakout candidate in Graham's defensive scheme. His athleticism and versatility could make him an even bigger weapon in 2026. Of course, much of that will depend on how Cole Holcomb factors back into the linebacker rotation, but Wilson appears poised to take another step forward in his development.

2) Pat Freiermuth

It's admittedly a bit strange to label a veteran like Pat Freiermuth as a breakout player, but Steelers fans know exactly why he's included here. Every season, fans have waited to see Freiermuth receive more opportunities, and many expected a true breakout campaign in 2025 with Aaron Rodgers under center. That never fully materialized.

Now, with McCarthy in town, the expectation is higher than ever. If Freiermuth doesn't put together a career year in 2026, it may simply never happen. McCarthy's offenses have historically made good use of traditional pass-catching tight ends, and that success has followed him throughout his coaching career. That's the expectation heading into 2026 and why Freiermuth makes this list.

3) Derrick Harmon

Perhaps the most obvious and exciting breakout candidate is defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. The Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fully aware they needed to strengthen their ability to stop the run. As a rookie, Harmon quickly showed why he was worthy of that selection, flashing the power, technique, and disruptive ability that made him a top pick.

Now, entering 2026 as a more established and consistent presence on the defensive line, he is in position to take a major leap. Under Graham’s system, Harmon should have every opportunity to elevate his game and develop into a true cornerstone up front.

Steelers Are Due For An Interesting 2026 Season

With McCarthy now in town and becoming only the fourth head coach the Steelers have had since the 1969 season, it is natural to expect an intriguing 2026 campaign in Pittsburgh. Any major coaching change brings uncertainty but also opportunity, and this transition is no different.

Steelers fans are eager to see which players will rise to the occasion and emerge as key contributors in this new era of football.

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