6 Most Important Steelers Not Named Aaron Rodgers

Fautanu is unequivocally the most important Steeler next to Rodgers. He played an excellent 2025 season and now returns to his natural left tackle spot. McCarthy runs a pure drop-back passing attack, and no position will get tested more relentlessly than offensive tackle.

Fautanu will protect Rodgers' blindside against some of the toughest assignments in the NFL. The offense flows through the quarterback and his ability to push the ball downfield, but Fautanu makes up half the equation that lets that offense reach its peak.

Joey Porter Jr.

Porter has become the most important player in the Steelers' secondary. He's turned into a shutdown cornerback and will soon get paid like one. He keeps improving each game and is emerging as a locker-room leader, much like his father once was . The Steelers signed Jamel Dean in free agency, but this secondary will only reach its ceiling when Porter reaches his.

Porter's performance will make or break how far this defense can go on the back end. If he misses time or has a rough year, the defense will feel it. But if he continues his current trajectory, the Steelers could build a strong secondary that lifts the entire front seven.

DK Metcalf

The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted two wide receivers, but Metcalf remains the key to this receiver corps. His two-game suspension last season left an obvious void. A repeat absence might sting less, but the team would still feel it.

Metcalf's elite talent unlocks multiple schemes within McCarthy's offense. He stretches the field and creates a serious yards-after-catch threat. Given the chemistry he's already built with Rodgers, expect him to have a huge year.

Cam Heyward

The Steelers' interior defensive line suddenly has real depth, but that doesn't mean they should test it. Heyward remains the dominant force on the interior. With Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black providing quality depth behind him, Heyward may have several more good years left.

As long as he's on the field at this stage of his career, he remains a force. He still excels against the run and still brings savvy as a pass rusher. Heyward has recorded 17 pass defenses over the past two seasons and is now passing that knowledge on to his younger teammates.

T.J. Watt

Watt should arguably be the most important player on this defense, if not the entire team. Still, the past two seasons have created opportunities for young talent like Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer. If Porter and Heyward sustain their level of play, Watt simply needs to return to his 2024 form.

That's a realistic ask: defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has a track record of elevating his edge rushers' games. Watt still has plenty left, and a coordinator who schemes him into success should unlock it. He remains strong against the run and just needs to rediscover his edge as a pass rusher.

Right Tackle: Dylan Cook or Max Iheanachor

Everyone knew this spot would matter; nobody knows yet who will fill it. Cook is set to start at right tackle, but Iheanachor will push him for the job. The competition came, unfortunately, at the expense of Broderick Jones, who has no clear timeline to return to full football activities.

Fautanu will protect Rodgers' blindside, while Cook or Iheanachor will guard the other edge, a role just as critical in this drop-back offense. Still, if McCarthy and offensive line coach James Campen have to prioritize one side, they'll likely lean toward supporting Cook or Iheanachor.