The Pittsburgh Steelers have generated significant optimism ahead of the new NFL season following the arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His reunion with head coach Mike McCarthy has fueled expectations that the franchise can contend immediately after reshaping its offense.
While much of the attention has focused on Rodgers’ leadership and experience, analysts believe Pittsburgh still has critical issues to address on the defensive side of the ball. Even with one of the league’s most recognizable defensive identities, questions remain about whether the Steelers have enough consistency at linebacker.
ESPN recently evaluated every NFL team’s biggest strengths and weaknesses entering the season. For Pittsburgh, the analysis identified off-ball linebacker as the roster’s most vulnerable position, raising concerns about both run defense and overall production from the unit.
The assessment suggests that although Rodgers may elevate the offense, the Steelers’ success could ultimately depend on whether their linebackers can improve after an underwhelming campaign last season.
1. Linebacker Group Under the Microscope
According to ESPN NFL analyst Mike Clay, Pittsburgh’s linebacker corps remains the team’s biggest concern despite returning much of last season’s group. The projected starters, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, are expected to retain their roles, but their previous performances have left room for improvement.
One of the biggest issues highlighted was the Steelers’ inability to consistently stop the run. Pittsburgh finished near the bottom of the league in run stop win rate last season, ranking 27th with a mark of 28.9%. That statistic reflected the struggles of the defense to control opposing rushing attacks throughout the year.
Queen, who arrived in Pittsburgh with high expectations after a successful stint elsewhere, remained an every-down linebacker. However, his individual production did not match expectations. His overall performance earned low marks compared with other qualified off-ball linebackers, signaling a disappointing first season with the Steelers.
The decline has become a talking point because Queen was expected to provide stability and leadership in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense. Instead, analysts believe he will need a significant bounce-back season if the Steelers hope to strengthen one of their weakest position groups.
2. Competition Could Shape the Unit
While Queen’s performance drew attention, Payton Wilson also enters the season with something to prove. The young linebacker has shown flashes of potential but has yet to firmly establish himself as a reliable long-term starter.
Mike Clay noted that Wilson struggled to consistently separate himself from fellow linebackers Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison during last season. With both veterans still on the roster, playing time may once again depend on performance throughout training camp and the regular season.
Despite those concerns, there remains optimism that Wilson could take a meaningful step forward. Entering his third professional season, he has another opportunity to develop into a more complete player and provide the consistency Pittsburgh has been seeking at the position.
Healthy internal competition could ultimately benefit the Steelers if multiple linebackers elevate their performances. However, until that improvement becomes evident on the field, linebacker remains one of the biggest uncertainties on an otherwise talented roster.
3. Veteran Stars Carry Added Responsibility
Beyond the off-ball linebackers, Pittsburgh’s overall linebacker group also faces questions tied to experience and long-term production. Edge rusher T.J. Watt continues to be one of the NFL’s premier defenders, but he enters the season at 32 years old, adding another layer of concern about the future of the defense.
Although Watt remains highly productive, his sack totals declined significantly compared with previous seasons. After recording 19 sacks in 2023, he finished with just seven last year, prompting discussion about whether age or opposing offensive attention has begun to impact his numbers.
Across from Watt, Alex Highsmith remains an important contributor after producing 9.5 sacks last season. However, his name has surfaced repeatedly in offseason trade speculation, creating additional uncertainty surrounding the continuity of Pittsburgh’s defensive front.
The Steelers still possess enough proven talent to field one of the league’s competitive defenses, but improving linebacker play will be essential if they hope to maximize the impact of Rodgers’ arrival and make a serious postseason push.