Top 4 Steelers breakout candidates for 2026
· Yahoo Sports
There is so much hope surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, with new head coach Mike McCarthy bringing a whole new attitude to the team. With that, we are hoping to finally see some of the players on this roster get the opportunity to be the playmakers they are and not be held back by the antiquated philosophies of the old coaching staff.
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Here are four guys who we think can be breakout stars in 2026.
Linebacker Payton Wilson
The jump that inside linebacker Payton Wilson from his first NFL season to his second was remarkable and went largely unnoticed. Former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin seemed insistent on having other players on the field but all Wilson does is produce when he's there. Despite playing less than two-thirds of the defensive snaps, Wilson led the team with 126 total tackles. Wilson will flourish in Patrick Graham's defense if he can get a fair shot at the starting job.
Wide receiver DK Metcalf
This one might not make a lot of sense but Metcalf hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since 2023. And he hasn't had a 90-catch year since 2022. His reputation isn't that of a true No. 1 wide receiver but this season might be his best chance to have a true elite season with Aaron Rodgers back at quarterback and a passing-friendly scheme.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth
No player suffered more under former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith than Freiermuth. In Smith's offense, Freiermuth became a forgotten man despite three seasons with at least 60 catches but this should change under McCarthy.
Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon
The difference in the Steelers run defense with Harmon on the field as opposed to when he wasn't was startling last season. Especially given Harmon was just a rookie. He might not garner highlights for big sack numbers but he could quickly become one of the best run defenders in the league this season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Top 4 Steelers breakout candidates for 2026