3 Things We Wish We Saw in Steelers Preseason

Aug 03, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to throw a pass as Will Howard (18) watches during a practice session at Training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

3 Things We Wish We Saw in Steelers Preseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Aug 29, 2026 4:02 PM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason was overall a mixed bag of results. There were moments when the offense looked good and others when it didn’t. The defense made some nice plays in the first two preseason contests but had a tough preseason finale. There was a lot of information gathered for head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff. Now, their attention turns to the Atlanta Falcons once cutdown day is complete on Sunday.

Still, there were a few things fans might have preferred to see during the preseason. What’s done is done, but here are three things we would have liked to see from the Steelers this preseason:

Aaron Rodgers and the first-unit offense

Rodgers may not have played last preseason alongside DK Metcalf, but it might have been beneficial to see them together this preseason. The good news is that Rodgers knows this offense like the back of his hand. Still, seeing the entire starting offense on the field might have made fans perk up, even if it was only for one drive.

Now, there might be some nerves among fans about whether this starting unit will be ready come Week 1. Chances are that it will be based on how efficient the offense was last year in Week 1. The fact that McCarthy has a relationship with Rodgers from their previous work together should also help.

Answer the need at free safety

Aug 27, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Shane Buechele (6) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (28) during the first quarter at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Though Rayshawn Jenkins and Robert Spears-Jennings had some nice showings, can we definitively say they will be the answer? No doubt they can play in this defense and be effective. They are simply closer to a DeShon Elliott type of mold than a center-fielder type of free safety.

With that being said, perhaps the Steelers have a trade in mind or are keeping an eye on cutdowns. One name to watch is New York Jets safety Andre Cisco. He fits that free safety mold and the Jets traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick this offseason. The question is how much the Steelers would need to give up in a trade for someone like Cisco.

Drew Allar starting preseason finale

Aug 27, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar (16) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

If the Steelers weren’t going to have Rodgers out there, it could have been nice to see Allar work with more NFL talent. He certainly has some work to do on his game. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have at least seen a better supporting cast around him in the preseason finale.

Allar now won’t see the field until next preseason as he enters a much-needed redshirt-type season. The former Penn State product has a real chance to develop behind Rodgers and work directly with McCarthy. There’s a lot of work ahead for the rookie, who could make his case to start next year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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