Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Aaron Rodgers' Last Ride

With several teams kicking off their organized team activities this week, the NFL offseason is in full swing.

Teams have OTAs sprinkled in over the next three weeks before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-to-end July.

We'll be reviewing the major offseason changes for all 32 teams in addition to previewing what to expect from each team as they head into training camp. Below is our 2026 training camp preview for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Key Offseason Dates

Voluntary OTAs: May 18, May 20-21, May 26, May 28-29, June 8-9, June 11-12

Mandatory minicamp: June 2-4

Training camp: mid-July

NFL Hall of Fame game: Aug. 6

Key Additions:

Rico Dowdle, RB

Travis Homer, RB

Michael Pittman Jr., WR

Brock Hoffman, C

Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT

Jamel Dean, CB

Jaquan Brisker, S

Darnell Savage, S

Re-Signed:

Aaron Rodgers, QB

Ryan McCollum, C

Dean Lowry, DT

2026 NFL Draft Class:

Max Iheanachor, OT, Round 1

Germie Bernard, WR, Round 2

Drew Allar, QB, Round 3

Daylen Everette, CB, Round 3

Gennings Dunker, OT, Round 3

Kaden Wetjen, WR, Round 4

Riley Nowakowski, TE, Round 5

Gabriel Rubio, DT, Round 6

Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Round 7

Eli Heidenreich, RB, Round 7

Key Losses:

Skylar Thompson, QB

Kenneth Gainwell, RB

Calvin Austin III, WR

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR

Scotty Miller, WR

Connor Heyward, TE

Isaac Seumalo, OG

James Pierre, CB

Miles Killebrew, S

Kyle Dugger, S

Analysis:

The biggest question of the Steelers' offseason has finally been answered, and they know they'll have quarterback Aaron Rodgers for at least one more season.

And in anticipation of getting Rodgers back, Pittsburgh added lots of help around him on offense signing running back Rico Dowdle in free agency, trading for two-time 1,000-yard WR Michael Pittman Jr., and loading up on young talent in the draft including first-round tackle Max Iheanachor, second-round receiver Germie Bernard, third-round tackle Gennings Dunker, fourth-round receiver Kaden Wetjen, and fifth-round tight end Riley Nowakowski.

The Steelers also made some defensive moves this offseason too, adding defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, cornerback Jamel Dean, and safeties Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage.

The problem for this team, though, has traditionally been what happens once it gets to the playoffs. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since 2016, despite winning three division titles and five double-digit-win seasons in that time.

Mike McCarthy may be the one head coach to get the most out of Rodgers given their time together in Green Bay, but until the Steelers get over that postseason hump, it's tough to bet on them. A 10- or 11-win season is doable, but don't expect much after that.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 7:21 PM.