​The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of doubters to prove wrong in 2026, including one former Green Bay Packers teammate of Aaron Rodgers. In an episode of the NFL Daily Podcast, J.J. Jansen, a former Packer who now serves as the long snapper for the Carolina Panthers, labeled the Steelers as “uninteresting” and projected a ceiling of 9-8 or 10-7 for the 2026 season.
“I just don’t know that the team’s all that interesting, especially when you consider that division’s also got the Bengals and the Ravens,” Jansen said. “I still feel like they are a 9-8 team. They’re going to beat some teams that they shouldn’t, and they’re going to lose some games that they shouldn’t. I would certainly trust the ball in Aaron’s hand in the fourth quarter, but it’s just an uninteresting 9-8, 10-7, 7-10 kind of team for me.”
Lately, the Steelers have faced a steady stream of criticism and disbelief from various corners of the NFL. From Jansen’s blunt assessment to ESPN’s roster rankings, the praise that Pittsburgh fans and analysts feel the team deserves has often been eclipsed by skepticism. Critics argue that the Steelers’ roster, on paper, is among the most complete in the league, even if certain voices aren’t convinced the squad can translate that depth into sustained success in a challenging AFC North and conference landscape.
As the offseason unfolds, Pittsburgh supporters are watching closely for signs of improvement and potential breakouts. New additions, coaching adjustments, and the continued development of key players will all factor into whether the Steelers can defy the naysayers and elevate their play to meet or exceed general expectations for the 2026 campaign. For those keeping tabs on Steelers news and updates, following the team on X @TheSteelersWire and liking the Steelers’ Facebook page is a good way to stay informed about offseason moves and evolving coverage.
This article originated on Steelers Wire and highlights J.J. Jansen’s appraisal of the Steelers as “uninteresting” for the 2026 season, along with the broader context of external skepticism surrounding Pittsburgh’s roster and potential.