The Pittsburgh Steelers went 10-7 last season, which included a loss in the AFC Wild Card playoffs. For the Steelers in 2026, there are plenty of players and position groups that could emerge as the team’s X-factor. But according to a Pittsburgh legend, Mike McCarthy’s squad simply doesn’t have enough talent entering the 2026 season.

On May 26, Mad Dog Radio host Mike Babchik posted a clip of an interview with former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis. He was asked about his opinion on whether Pittsburgh is going to have a good year with Aaron Rodgers. 

“I think they've upgraded the football team in terms of talent,” he said. “So I think they've got a better chance, but I still believe they need more. They don't have quite enough.”

Pittsburgh chose not to add any outside help at inside linebacker this offseason. Instead, they are sticking with Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison as they head into the final year of their deals while also re-signing Cole Holcomb on a two-year, $5 million contract.

The Steelers' safety room appears stronger than it was a year ago. However, it’s far from a flawless group. Jaquan Brisker, who signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in free agency, is a Pittsburgh native who excels in the box.

But his history with concussion issues and the difficult 2025 campaign in Chicago leave some question marks.

While questions keep looming about returning a 42-year-old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, Bettis sees potential with the quarterback. 

“But Rogers has been known to be the greater racer,” the legend said. “So if he can play great, I think he can, he can kind of overshadow some of the deficiencies.”

Rodgers decided to return for the 2026 season after agreeing to a one-year contract. Other than it being his last year in the NFL, he has to put up a successful season. However, it will depend on the Steelers’ improvement in one area for Rodgers. 

Aaron Rodgers Faces Questions as Offensive Weakness Prevails in Steelers’ Offense

Rodgers is back with the Steelers for the 22nd and presumed final season of his storied Hall of Fame career. During their 13 seasons together in Green Bay, Rodgers and McCarthy combined for a Super Bowl title and two of Rodgers’ four league MVP honors.

However, analysts have started to raise their concerns. 

“He’s gonna be 43 during this season,” Nick Wright said on First Things First. “I am very pessimistic about how he’s going to look at the end of this season.”

Rodgers did put up a decent stat last season, completing 65.7 percent of his passes while throwing for 24 touchdowns. That touchdown total ranked 13th in the NFL and even surpassed Jordan Love and Patrick Mahomes. 

However, Pittsburgh struggled in one area of the offense. Despite the solid touchdown total, Rodgers completed only 37 percent of his passes thrown into the end zone

Pittsburgh lacked a dependable red-zone weapon at wide receiver, and did not use tight end Pat Freiermuth to his full potential. 

With gaps in talent still remaining in the Steelers’ roster, what do you think about Bettis’ take on Pittsburgh’s 2026 season? Share your thoughts. 

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Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar