Steelers Mandatory Minicamp Exposed 3 Concerns Mike McCarthy Can't Ignore

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Steelers Mandatory Minicamp Exposed 3 Concerns Mike McCarthy Can't Ignore

Jobe Morrison · Athlon Sports

Mon, Jun 22, 2026 ·

4 min read

Steelers Offense Committing Turnovers

Former head coach Mike Tomlin likely would be fuming over this issue. According to former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats , the offense has not looked particularly sharp during offseason practices. Some growing pains are expected, especially with a new coaching staff in place, but Moats is more concerned with how the mistakes are occurring. In his view, the offense has simply played sloppy football.

"I didn't like the amount of turnovers the offense had," Moats said on his podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience . "If we're being real, I wanted [the offense] to be cleaner. We can have good on good without it being the tips, the overthrows that turn into picks. If the ball hits your hands, catch it, man."

To be fair, OTAs and minicamp exist for exactly this reason. Teams use this time to build chemistry, install schemes, and work through mistakes. The process is rarely pretty, particularly with an entirely new coaching staff. Still, Moats' concerns carry some weight. Considering Aaron Rodgers is operating an offense he already knows well under McCarthy , the turnover issues are worth monitoring.

Steelers' Questionable Offensive Tackle Depth

If it hasn't been said enough already, it likely will be repeated until September: the Steelers' biggest weakness on paper is their offensive tackle situation. Broderick Jones' neck injury dealt a significant blow to the position group. Jones is entering the final year of his contract, and it remains unclear when, or if, he will return this season .

Dylan Cook performed admirably in relief of Jones, but there is no guarantee he is the long-term answer. Fortunately, Troy Fautanu looked like a home run pick after returning to action in 2025. However, he could face a learning curve if the Steelers decide to move him back to left tackle.

First-round pick Max Iheanachor may ultimately become the answer at right tackle, but he remains a raw prospect who needs refinement and experience. Realistically, he may not be ready to start until 2027. Beyond those three players, the Steelers lack proven depth. If Jones cannot return in 2026 and one of the other options misses significant time, the offensive line could quickly become a major problem.

Unresolved Steelers Contract Negotiations

Contract negotiations naturally take time, but it is far from ideal when key defensive players are seeking extensions while holding in during the offseason. The Steelers are implementing a new defensive philosophy, and they need as many contributors on the field as possible. Joey Porter Jr. , in particular, should be a priority.

General manager Omar Khan already secured extensions for Darnell Washington and Nick Herbig . Now, attention shifts to Porter and Keeanu Benton . Benton may or may not receive a new deal before the season begins, but it would be wise for Pittsburgh to act sooner rather than later. The free-agent market has a history of rewarding defensive linemen who thrive during contract years.

As for Porter, he is arguably the Steelers' best cornerback since Joe Haden . While he experienced his share of growing pains early in his career, his 2025 season solidified his status as the franchise's long-term answer at the position. The Steelers now need to resolve his contract situation, and any other lingering negotiations—as quickly as possible.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.