2026 Steelers OTAs Storylines To Follow

With newly signed Aaron Rodgers arriving early to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ facility, the team is set to hold its first outdoor training session of the offseason today at 11 a.m. After a turbulent few months, several storylines will take center stage as workouts begin.

Offensive Line Configuration

The offensive line remains one of the most fluid — and fascinating — position groups to watch.

During rookie camp, first‑round tackle Max Iheanachor was informed he’ll begin his NFL career on the right side, taking over the spot previously held by Troy Fautanu. With Broderick Jones unlikely to participate in any offseason activities, the question becomes whether Fautanu shifts back to left tackle, the position he played exclusively at Washington.

Rookie Gennings Dunker is also undergoing a transition — moving inside to guard despite never playing the position at Iowa. Even with that adjustment, the left guard spot appears wide open, with Dunker competing alongside free‑agent addition Brock Hoffman and 2023 seventh‑rounder Spencer Anderson.

The Battle for QB2

With Rodgers officially in the fold, the next question is who will emerge as the primary backup.

Head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of rookie Will Howard, but he also spent significant time rebuilding fellow rookie Drew Allar’s mechanics from the ground up. Then there’s veteran Mason Rudolph, the only quarterback on the roster besides Rodgers with actual NFL snaps. How McCarthy divides reps behind Rodgers will be one of the most telling developments of camp.

New Receivers in the Mix

The returning receivers — DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek — now join a revamped group featuring major offseason additions.

The Steelers landed Michael Pittman Jr. in free agency and drafted both Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen. One of the biggest questions is whether McCarthy expands Wilson’s role in the offense after a promising rookie season.

Bernard, meanwhile, profiles as a true Swiss‑army knife — capable of lining up in the slot, outside, or even in motion packages. How the staff deploys him early could hint at a broader shift in offensive identity.