With every new coaching era, there’s a promise not only for the franchise but also deep down the depth chart behind the names buried in forgotten football lore. Mike McCarthy arrived in Pittsburgh as the Steelers’ new head coach with more than a new playbook: he brought a clean slate. In the NFL a fresh start is the most valuable thing an overlooked player could possibly wish for.
There have been other changes to the 2026 edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers too. Free agency brought a lot of new faces, the draft began to replenish the roster with youth and you can sense that McCarthy’s offense is calling things from a completely different standpoint than fans saw in Pittsburgh over for many seasons.
That shakeup opens real doors for the player: here are five who may emerge more into the conversation heading toward 2026.
Pat Freiermuth
It’s crazy to list Freiermuth first on this list, as he’s a five-year veteran. However, he has often become an afterthought in the Steelers offense depending on who the quarterback is.
Oftentimes he would go absent with Aaron Rodgers under center, not even receiving a target. But then he’d pop off the page with huge games reminding you of his potential. Following a bounce back 2024 season, Freiermuth regressed again, going from seven touchdowns to four, 65 receptions to 41, and 653 yards to 486. His yards-per-catch, however, was the best of his career (11.9) and showcases his big play potential.
Context also matters, with Freiermuth in a muddled, run-heavy offense that saw three tight ends — Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington — in an unsorted time share. Freiermuth was often pushed aside, not outplayed. The scheme wasn’t suited to the vertical, pass-catching role he excels in.
McCarthy’s offense changes the equation. His desired personnel grouping is 11 personnel — three wide receivers, one running back and one tight end. With Smith’s release, a three-headed tight end committee won’t exist anymore. McCarthy has a tendency to favor space-creating tight ends over blocking tight ends, which immediately makes Freiermuth an obvious focal point of the offense.
That means the level of targets Freiermuth was robbed of in 2025 may come pouring back into his mix in 2026. His bounce back is the most likely outcome.
Patrick Queen
A high-level free agent signing two years ago, Queen has been often criticized as a week link in a Steelers’ linebacker corps that struggled badly defending both the run and pass back in 2025.
In 2023 Queen was a second-team All-Pro, and in 2024 a Pro Bowl nomination came his way with his first year in Pittsburgh. That season saw Queen’s made tackle percentage at a career-best 6.5%.
In 2025 that number nearly doubled to 12.4%.
With new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham arriving, an injection of fresh, new concepts should also rejuvenate the veteran linebacker who was second on the Steelers with 120 combined tackles.
Jalen Ramsey
The Steelers made a high profile trade with the Miami Dolphins last offseason to swap former safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for the prolific Ramsey. That move may, or may not, have paid off in 2025, as injuries changed Ramsey’s role on a near weekly basis.
Ramsey went from playing as a cornerback, often a big nickel, to shifting to safety due to the injuries.
This caused Ramseys’ statistical production to drop, namely in the turnover category, where he’s known to force fumbles and pick off passes. Like Queen, the changes in the coaching staff may benefit this veteran player the most.
D.K. Metcalf
No one will benefit more from the additions of Michael Pittman and second-round draft pick Germie Bernard than D.K. Metcalf.
Another high profile addition last offseason, Metcalf’s season slipped away at times due to a lack of other receivers that could take the attention off of him. Now with these two new players in town, Metcalf stands to have a rebound season: for him at least.
Metcalf still led the Steelers receivers in yards (850) and touchdowns (6) but his production was a far cry from the expectations he arrived with. Look for that to change in 2026.
Merch We Want to Pick Up Right Now
Here’s a tip: if you’re looking for a new Steelers jersey this offseason, the above can be a handy guide as to whom you should invest your hard-earned dollars in. If you’re contemplating offering one of these players your support in official Black and Gold wear, here is how to do so wisely.
Metcalf should get a prominent role in McCarthy’s offense. His #4 jersey will be one of the fall season’s hottest sellers. The #88 jersey for Pat Freiermuth is also already out there and one of the more underrated buys in the entire Steelers store too.
Ramsey is under a long-term deal, while Queen enters a contract year, making his jersey a risky investment. Check an official Steelers Pro Shop like 4inbandana for any availability as training camp nears.
Whatever you grab this offseason, just make sure it stands for where this team is going instead of where it’s been.
The Bottom Line
Not only does the McCarthy era reset the coaching staff, it resets the opportunity ladder for every player 1-53 on the roster. With Pittsburgh’s old system, players ended up pigeonholed into certain roles, where things became stagnant.
McCarthy is building something entirely different with the Steelers. Pay close attention to the players no one else is paying any attention to. While these are still household names, the spotlight has shifted to some of the newer additions such as Pittman, Bernard, and even up-and-comers like Payton Wilson.
The stars, however, are the ones earning the bigger paychecks. Those are usually the players that make you look smart wearing in October.