CROSSROADS: Steelers’ 2026 Outlook Hangs on Aaron Rodgers’ Final Season and Mike McCarthy’s First

Pittsburgh Steelers reload for a postseason surge as Aaron Rodgers eyes his final campaign in black and gold. Can the energy of young linemen like Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick propel Mike McCarthy’s squad back into the AFC elite, or will the team’s aging superstars present unforeseen roadblocks? Joe Marino and Kyle Crabbs break down impact additions like Michael Pittman Jr., DK Metcalf, and Jaquan Brisker, and evaluate the depth chart’s potential on both sides of the ball. Key topics include TJ Watt’s contract and outlook, the risk and reward of a rapidly changing offensive line, and whether Pittsburgh’s imposing front seven and revamped secondary—featuring Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, and Joey Porter Jr.—can anchor a serious playoff push. With the Steelers’ win total set at just 7.5, the hosts debate whether Pittsburgh is poised to shatter low expectations in 2026. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.