Mike McCarthy Praises Steelers’ Playoff Roster, Looks Forward to Draft
Mike McCarthy is stepping into a significant role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that recently qualified for the playoffs. He arrives at a pivotal time, with owner Art Rooney II expressing a desire to remain competitive despite the changes following Mike Tomlin’s departure. McCarthy believes the current roster has the potential to succeed, although key offseason decisions lie ahead.
McCarthy’s Assessment of the Steelers’ Roster
During an interview on the Pat McAfee Show, McCarthy emphasized his confidence in the team. He stated, “This is not a start-over opportunity at all. It’s a football team that was in the playoffs last year.” He referred to the Steelers as having a playoff-caliber roster, highlighting the successes of the previous season.
Key Players and Pro Bowl Selections
The Steelers saw only four players earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro status last year. They included:
- T.J. Watt (Pro Bowl)
- Jalen Ramsey (Pro Bowl)
- Ben Skowronek (Pro Bowl)
- Cam Heyward (Second-team All-Pro)
Despite this, McCarthy recognizes the talent within the squad, particularly in the younger offensive line, as he prepares to finalize his coaching staff.
Focus on Free Agency and the Draft
McCarthy highlighted the importance of free agency for the Steelers. He noted that the team’s financial situation will heavily influence roster decisions. Key free agents include Aaron Rodgers, who has been identified as vital to their season, alongside other notable players such as:
- Kenneth Gainwell (2025 Team MVP)
- Isaac Seumalo (Starting LG)
- Kyle Dugger (Safety)
- Asante Samuel Jr. (Cornerback)
- James Pierre (Cornerback)
McCarthy is enthusiastic about the upcoming draft, stating, “We’ve got a bunch of draft picks, so this’ll be a hell of a draft class.” Pittsburgh is looking at up to 12 selections for 2026, including compensatory picks and multiple third-round choices.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
As McCarthy collaborates with his new staff, he aims to assess the roster comprehensively. He mentioned the need for discussions around free agents while also planning for a robust draft approach. The future of the Steelers will depend significantly on these decisions, particularly regarding key players like Rodgers and strategies for filling gaps in the roster.
McCarthy’s excitement about the Steelers’ potential is palpable. He intends to take things step by step as the team prepares for a crucial offseason, emphasizing the need to balance free agency and talent acquisition through the draft.
