Post-Preseason Steelers Projected Starting Offense and Defense

Aug 03, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) calls an audible during a practice session at Training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Post-Preseason Steelers Projected Starting Offense and Defense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Sep 3, 2026 10:00 AM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

The preseason has concluded and the Pittsburgh Steelers are a week away from beginning official game-week preparation for Week 1. They will host the Atlanta Falcons, who have a few questions of their own. The Steelers, however, have most of their starters set. Preseason play provided only a glimpse of what could be to come.

That being said, the preseason featured several position battles and developments following the NFL’s roster cutdown deadline. There are still some questions surrounding the roster as the regular season approaches. As it stands, here are the projected starters now that the preseason has concluded:

OFFENSE

QB: Aaron Rodgers

RB: Rico Dowdle/Jaylen Warren

WR: DK Metcalf

WR: Michael Pittman Jr.

WR: Roman Wilson

Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) takes the field against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27090813:1799531315

TE: Pat Freiermuth/Darnell Washington

LT: Troy Fautanu

LG: Mason McCormick

C: Zach Frazier

RG: Spencer Anderson

RT: Dylan Cook

There aren’t many surprises for the Steelers at this point. Wilson will more than likely serve as the team’s slot receiver. Cook appears to have the inside track to start at right tackle, while Warren and Dowdle should split carries. Freiermuth and Washington will have specialized roles while remaining important pieces of the offense.

DEFENSE

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt (90) reacts during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

EDGE: Alex Highsmith

EDGE: T.J. Watt

DT: Cam Heyward

DT/NT: Sebastian Joseph-Day

DT: Keeanu Benton

Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after a sack during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27866604:122169830

ILB: Patrick Queen

ILB: Payton Wilson

CB: Joey Porter Jr.

CB: Jamel Dean

Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) lines up against the New York Jets during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

SCB: Jalen Ramsey

SS: Rayshawn Jenkins

FS: Jaquan Brisker

The biggest question is what the Steelers will do at safety. They currently have only Jenkins, Brisker, and Robert Spears-Jennings as pure safeties on the roster, while DeShon Elliott was placed on injured reserve. Ramsey can also fill that role if needed.

Benton should have the nod over Derrick Harmon, although that could change as the regular season approaches. The interior defensive will have a lot of rotations considering their depth. It also remains to be seen what Porter will do regarding his contract situation.