This or that: Which Steeler will be better in 2026?
· Yahoo Sports
On paper, there is no denying that the Pittsburgh Steelers roster is better than the 2025 version. Coming from a roster last season that didn't have a clear-cut No. 1 at multiple positions, we now have several spots where we will have a showdown between two (or more) players who could end up on top. Let's look at six positional units loaded and who we think will come out on top.
Running back
Rico Dowdle vs Jaylen Warren
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We are always going to root for Jaylen Warren as he's the longer-tenured running back but Dowdle is a career overachiever and a guy head coach Mike McCarthy likes a lot for his scheme. McCarthy picked him to come in over other free-agent backs as well as Kaleb Johnson so we are predicting him to end up the team's top rusher.
Wide receiver
DK Metcalf vs Michael Pittman Jr.
Calling Metcalf or Pittman a true No. 1 receiver might be a reach at this point in both of their careers but in terms of the Steelers, it's a classic case of Pittman will be the guy getting more targets due to his route tree and Metcalf leading the team in yards because he can focus on being a deep threat.
Tight end
Pat Freiermuth vs Darnell Washington
The Pat Freiermuth revenge tour starts now. Former head coach Mike Tomlin and former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith did Freiermuth a massive disservice last season and we expect McCarthy to do a much better job in having him on the field and involved in the passing game.
Outside linebacker
T.J. Watt vs Alex Highsmith vs Nick Herbig
This competition is going to come down to reps. If the split is even close to even, we like Nick Herbig to have a breakout campaign and surpass T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Having said that, we won't be shocked if two of three finish with double-digit sacks.
Inside linebacker
Patrick Queen vs Payton Wilson
We aren't at all convinced the Steelers are sold on Patrick Queen as a featured inside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has already said the team will run mostly nickel with five defensive backs, meaning only one inside linebacker on most plays. Our money is on Payton Wilson to take over that role and continue to be the best pursuit player and tackler on the roster.
Cornerback
Joey Porter Jr. vs Jamel Dean
Joey Porter Jr. has been the most underrated cornerback in the NFL over the past two seasons and Jamel Dean was one of the top overall cornerbacks in the NFL last season. Now they are on the same team and form maybe the best tandem in the NFL. Who will have a better year? This one is a push for us. They are both shutdown players and elite at their position.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: This or that: Which Steeler will be better in 2026?