ESPN Warns: Steelers Face ‘Major Failure’ After 2026
Steelers’ Future Looks Bright on Paper, But ESPN Sees Darkness Ahead
The Pittsburgh Steelers have locked up young talent, but experts aren’t convinced about the long-term outlook.
Good News First: The Kids Are Staying
Imagine you’re building a LEGO castle. You’ve just snapped three corner pieces into place permanently. That’s basically what the Steelers did this weekend:
- Keeanu Benton (defensive lineman) signed a 4-year extension
- He’s the third 2023 draft pick to get a long-term deal
- Joey Porter Jr. (cornerback) could make it four from the same class
Think of it like this: Getting four starters from one draft class to stay long-term is like finding four golden tickets in one chocolate bar—it rarely happens!
The ESPN Report Card: A Lot of Red Ink
But here’s where the story takes a turn. ESPN’s panel of experts (Ben Solak, Aaron Schatz, Louis Riddick, and Seth Walder) graded all 32 NFL teams on their future outlook through 2029. They used four categories, and Pittsburgh… well, let’s just say the report card needs a parent signature.
| Category | Rank | Score | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | 32nd (Last) | 59.25 | "Disastrous" |
| Coaching | 31st | 69.5 | — |
| Front Office | 27th | — | — |
| Roster (non-QB) | 20th | — | Best grade |
| Overall | 29th | — | — |
IMPORTANT: The Steelers did not rank inside the top 20 in ANY single category. Only the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals scored worse overall.
Why So Low? The Quarterback Mystery
Louis Riddick didn’t mince words:
"There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to an answer for Pittsburgh’s QB situation."
The "Reclamation Project" Graveyard
The Steelers have tried multiple quarterbacks recently, and none stuck:
- Kenny Pickett (1st round pick) → Traded
- Russell Wilson (former Super Bowl winner) → Didn’t work out
- Justin Fields (athletic former 1st rounder) → Moved on
It’s like trying to fix a leaky faucet with duct tape, then chewing gum, then a band-aid—eventually you need a plumber, not more patches.
Other Red Flags: Old Legs & Question Marks
The "Dad Bod" Defense
Aaron Schatz pointed out the Steelers had the oldest defensive backfield in the NFL last year (average age 29.1). Their receivers were the third oldest (28). In football years, that’s practically ancient.
Front Office Questions
Despite Omar Khan’s recent drafting success, the front office ranked 27th. Ben Solak noted the roster should "soften the inevitable transition awaiting the Steelers after consistent mediocrity in recent years."
Translation: The team has been stuck in "pretty good but not great" limbo, and the bill is coming due.
How They Stack Up in the AFC North
| Team | Rank | Score | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | 9th | 83.7 | Strong |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 17th | 79.4 | Solid |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 29th | ~70 | Concerning |
| Cleveland Browns | 26th | 71.6 | Slightly better |
League Best: Seattle Seahawks (88.7) — they’re building something special out west.
The Path Forward: Can Tomlin & Khan Find "The Guy"?
NOTE: The original article mentions Mike McCarthy here, but he coaches the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers’ head coach is Mike Tomlin, and the GM is Omar Khan. We’ll assume this refers to Pittsburgh’s leadership.
The mission is clear: Find a franchise quarterback to anchor the next decade. The defense has young stars (Benton, Porter, etc.), the offensive line is improving, but without a QB? It’s a race car with no engine.
Summary: The TL;DR
- Good: Three 2023 draft picks locked up long-term (four soon). Young defensive talent emerging.
- Bad: Dead last at QB. 31st in coaching. 27th in front office. Oldest secondary in football.
- Overall: 29th in NFL future rankings. Only Dolphins and Cardinals rated worse.
- Key Need: A legitimate, long-term quarterback solution. Everything else depends on this.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Wait, if they have good young players, why are they ranked so low?
Because in the NFL, quarterback is the sun—everything else orbits around it. You can have great bricks (players), but without a foundation (QB), the house collapses.
Is "Disastrous" too harsh for the QB grade?
The panel has seen three different starters in two years with no clear answer for 2025. That track record earns the label, fair or not.
Can the Steelers actually fix this?
Yes! They have cap space, draft capital, and a winning culture. But they must hit on a QB—whether via draft, trade, or free agency. No more "bridge" veterans.
Why are the Browns and Jets ranked higher despite their own problems?
Both have younger, higher-upside QB situations (Deshaun Watson’s contract aside, Aaron Rodgers’ age aside). The panel bets on potential over Pittsburgh’s current vacuum.
Should Steelers fans panic?
No. Panic is for horror movies. Concern is for smart fans. The roster has talent, the coaching is stable, and the front office has drafted well lately. But the clock is ticking on the QB answer.
What do you think? Can the Steelers solve the QB puzzle and prove the experts wrong? Let us know in the comments!
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