Steelers Get Critical Troy Fautanu Update At Perfect Time: "Just Kick A**"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season. In 2025, the unit was tasked with protecting Aaron Rodgers, and for the most part, the young group did an adequate job. However, when Pittsburgh ran into the relentless pass rush of the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in the playoffs, it became clear that this offensive line still had plenty of room to grow.

General Manager Omar Khan selected offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, continuing his commitment to fortifying the trenches. That investment has given Pittsburgh time to establish a strong foundation with young building blocks growing together, including Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and Fautanu. The Steelers also added rookies Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker in 2026, two players with plenty of upside.

With James Campen taking over as offensive line coach and Mike McCarthy now overseeing the offense, this unit is expected to take another step forward. One player who recently received some exciting praise was Fautanu. During an episode of The GM Shuffle, former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz explained why he believes Fautanu is primed for a breakout campaign in 2026.

"I think [Troy Fautanu is] going to be the left tackle for Pittsburgh this season and go back to his natural position where he was in college and just kick a**," Schwartz said.

Those are some exciting words for Steeler Nation to hear from a player who started 39 games in this league on the offensive line. That kind of development would be massive for Pittsburgh, especially with Rodgers returning for what is expected to be one final season. The Steelers know they'll need their young offensive line to take another step if they hope to make a deep postseason run, and Fautanu emerging into a high-level starter could go a long way toward making that happen.

Former Carolina Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney also added even more weight to Schwartz's prediction, revealing that he agreed with the former offensive lineman's assessment. With both evaluators believing Fautanu is poised for a breakout campaign in 2026, it's another encouraging sign for a Steelers offensive line that appears to finally be coming together.

"Yes, he can be a breakout and if he can go to left tackle, that's for sure," Hurney said.

If Fautanu can live up to those expectations, Pittsburgh may have found another cornerstone piece up front as the organization looks to maximize Rodgers' final ride while simultaneously building a foundation for the future.

Steelers' Offensive Outlook Should Be Much Better In 2026

For the Steelers, that's exactly why patience with this young offensive line has always been important. There were going to be growing pains, and 2025 certainly had its fair share of them. But with another year of experience under their belts and the additions of Campen and McCarthy, Pittsburgh is hoping this group can finally make that leap from promising to dependable. If that happens, it could completely change the outlook of this offense.

And while plenty of attention will continue to be on Rodgers and the skill players, games are still won and lost in the trenches. Fautanu taking that next step would not only be a huge boost for Rodgers in what will be his final season, but it would also give the Steelers another long-term cornerstone.

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