After an excellent performance against the Colts last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers hit the opposite extreme in their game against the Chargers on Sunday. Nothing went right for Mike Tomlin’s squad as they were handed a 25-10 in SoFi Stadium, leaving the coaching staff searching for answers.

Unfortunately, there are no short-term solutions coming. The trade deadline came and went, with the Steelers remaining dormant despite rumors of the team hunting a new wide receiver. So, where does Pittsburgh go from here in terms of personnel? We’ll let Tomlin and Co. handle the X’s and O’s (maybe Jalen Ramsey plays more safety?), but we can look forward to the offseason and sort through some of the hard decisions the Steelers will have on the table come March. We’ll focus on a few key positions for right now, saving a more comprehensive review for season’s end.

Quarterback

Does Aaron Rodgers play another year? Maybe, maybe not. Although he has expressed interest, he did have his worst game of the season against the Chargers, so who knows if his tune has changed. In any case, life post-Rodgers is a hot topic in Pittsburgh, with no clear answer. Even if they have him for another season, a long-term plan needs to be laid out sooner rather than later.

In terms of rookies, there’s been a few high-profile prospects announcing that they intend to return to school for the 2026 season, so the pool may be thinner than expected. Names like Lanorris Sellers and John Mateer are intriguing in terms of raw potential, but they might not be ready to start right away.

Names like Bryce Young and Mac Jones might be intriguing for the Steelers, especially if they don’t come with massive price tags. If ownership in Carolina grows tired of Young, his presumably low trade value combined with his potential make him a particularly appealing gamble.

Wide Receiver

If you wanted the Steelers to make a move at the deadline for a new pass-catcher, you weren’t alone. Marques Valdes-Scantling joining the practice squad wasn’t exactly what you might have had in mind, but there’s some fascinating options for offseason acquisition. In the draft, Jordyn Tyson and Denzel Boston have draft scouts eager for the next generation to begin.

In the free agent scene, there won’t be too many big names to keep an eye on, but the Steelers should monitor the status of Jahan Dotson and Wan’Dale Robinson for the possibility of a value signing. Both Dotson and Robinson have the ability to make their mark on a roster, and Pittsburgh will have an opportunity to show their appeal in the free agency market to steal signings away from dysfunctional organizations like the Giants.

Defensive Back

Is it physically possible to throw more money at a defense? With how expensive this defense has been, it would be hard to justify any more flashy signings for the Steelers, especially in the secondary. Monday’s release of Juan Thornhill will help to lower the bill, but Pittsburgh can’t expect to keep throwing dollars around with nothing to show for it, but a high draft pick could be a worthy investment if they see the right player. There’s a slew of top-end talent this year, with Caleb Downs and Dylan Thineman at safety and Aveion Terrell and Mansoor Delane headlining the class. 2026 free agents include Amik Robertson, Eric Stokes and the recently traded Jaire Alexander if Pittsburgh opts for more seasoned talent.