The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers and preview how it might perform this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
The Steelers finished 17th in yards per carry allowed to running backs (4.3) last season, but they were first in touchdowns allowed to the position (5). Pittsburgh will have a new defensive coordinator as part of their sweeping coaching changes, hiring Patrick Graham from the Raiders. Graham has a history of using multiple schemes, but we should not expect much of a change from the “3-4 base” of the Steelers' past.
There was talk about Cameron Heyward retiring after the season, but he signed a new deal that runs through 2027. The Steelers have some youth behind Heyward with Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, and Yahya Black, who are all still on rookie contracts. The Steelers also added veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency, giving them experienced depth.
Pittsburgh finished 13th in pressure rate (37.4%) last season, but they recorded 48 sacks (6th). T.J. Watt has obviously been an elite pass rusher, but he is coming off a down season. The Steelers have two good options behind him (Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig), which could allow the new defensive staff to use Watt more situationally moving forward. A fourth-round pick last year, Jack Sawyer did not do a ton in a rotational role, but he obviously has runway to improve.
Patrick Queen has shown up in some trade rumors this offseason, and he is coming off something of a rough season by his standards. He finished last season 94th among 115 qualified linebackers in yards allowed per coverage snap. Payton Wilson and Malik Harrison made up the rest of the rotation last year, with Harrison playing more on early downs and Wilson seeing more time in coverage. Cole Holcomb has been more of a three-down option in the past, but he missed all of 2024 because of a serious knee injury and then played a limited role last year.
The Steelers allowed 7.2 yards per pass attempt (23rd) last year and finished 16th in EPA allowed per pass. Pittsburgh suffered some losses to the corner group this offseason, including James Pierre signing with the Vikings, but they also had a massive addition in Jamel Dean. He should be an excellent No. 2 option opposite Joey Porter, who was a shutdown option last year. Pittsburgh also brought back Asante Samuel, who at one point looked like an up-and-coming corner but had his career derailed by a neck injury. Brandin Echols has the talent to push for a job in sub-packages, and Daylen Everette was added in the third round.
After transitioning Jalen Ramsey to safety last year, the Steelers made a big addition in free agency by signing Jaquan Brisker, albeit to a one-year deal. With DeShon Elliott returning from injury, that gives Pittsburgh three starting-quality options at safety, allowing them to play more big nickel and mix and match with the depth at cornerback.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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