The Pittsburgh Steelers defense could look a lot different in 2026 , and it's not just because of the brand-new coaching staff led by head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
The additions of Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, and Sebastian Joseph-Day should help fortify both the front and back end of the unit, and another year of development from players like Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, and Joey Porter Jr. gives them upside to go along with their veteran stars. It's a second-year player, however, who is stealing the spotlight at Steelers training camp.
2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon proved to be a force against the run during his rookie season, even with knee issues limiting him to 12 games. That knack for blowing up run plays has continued into his second camp with Pittsburgh, including a dominant effort in Thursday's practice , according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh.
Steelers fans are probably more interested in what Harmon can do as a pass rusher in Year 2, as his impact wasn't as noticeable in that area compared to his stout run defense. Even if he doesn't take a huge leap in that area in 2026, it could still be a breakout year for the former Oregon defensive lineman.
One of the areas that the Steelers defense didn't look to upgrade this offseason was at linebacker, much to my personal chagrin. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson were unwatchable at times, and it's not like a more viable answer is just waiting to be picked up in free agency at this point (no offense, Bobby Wagner).
If Pittsburgh is going to be successful defensively this season, they will need their defensive line to make things easier for their LBs, and that means being stout at the point of attack. Aside from Cam Heyward, Harmon has the best combination of size and brute strength that any premium run-defending DL needs to have. That makes him one of the most important players on the field during early downs for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh can call upon Keeanu Benton to add juice to the pass rush if Harmon doesn't improve in that area, but the same can't be said if Harmon fails to deliver against the run. Sure, Yahya Black and Joseph-Day could more than hold their own if need be, but neither has the athletic gifts that make Harmon more than just a gap plugger.
If Harmon can put it all together in Year 2, and the Steelers can retain Benton into the future as well , the eventual (maybe) retirement of Heyward won't be as hard to stomach. So far, so good.
This article was originally published on www.stillcurtain.com as Derrick Harmon is already showing signs of a potential breakout Steelers season .
