The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed first-round pick Max Iheanachor to his rookie contract, securing one of the franchise’s most intriguing young building blocks before rookie minicamp begins.
According to the team, Iheanachor signed a four-year rookie contract worth $20.692 million, including a signing bonus of $11.598 million and a fifth-year team option.
Selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Iheanachor arrives in Pittsburgh with massive expectations after a rapid rise at Arizona State. The 6-foot-6, 321-pound offensive tackle was viewed as one of the most athletic linemen with one of the highest ceilings in the class and quickly became a favorite among Steelers evaluators during the pre-draft process.
Longtime NFL coach and Tennessee Titans radio analyst Dave McGinnis passed away in April at the age of 74. “Coach Mac” had been the color commentator for Titans radio broadcasts since taking over for Frank Wycheck in 2017, and he was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2000 to 2003.
The search has been on for McGinnis’ replacement, and it appears the Titans have landed on one.
Paul Kuharsky reports on Friday night that Ramon Foster “is the Titans’ choice to replace Dave McGinnis as color analyst for Titans Radio, multiple sources say.”
The #Titans are turning to Ramon Foster to succeed Dave McGinnis as radio color analyst, bypassing several of their own former players tied to media work. https://t.co/x71I6rj0Xo
Foster played 11 NFL seasons (2009-2019) as an offensive lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he played high school football in Ripley, Tennessee, as well as college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He co-hosts the morning show Ramon and Will on 104.5 The Zone, the flagship radio station for the Titans. He was the sideline reporter for the Titans before joining the University of Tennessee, where he began serving as the color commentator in 2025.
“In selecting the familiar Foster, the Titans bypass several candidates who played for their franchise, including Keith Bulluck, who expressed an interest in the job on his podcast, Jason McCourty, who does some games for CBS, and Brad Hopkins, who appears on SiriusXM,” Kuharsky explains.
Kuharsky also posted to X that former Titans star offensive lineman Taylor Lewan said about the team’s radio analyst position, “I would have definitely considered it depending on the money.”
Entering the 2026 offseason, the Steelers made two major moves with the Colts. First, they acquired Michael Pittman Jr., and then made a draft-day trade to land Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Germie Bernard.
The Steelers also traded picks 53, 135 and 237 in exchange for picks 47 and 249 from the Colts.
Bernard became the first Alabama player not coached by Nick Saban to be drafted since 2007, when defensive back Ramzee Robinson was selected as Mr. Irrelevant (last pick of the draft) by the Detroit Lions.
Bernard is slotted to be the No. 3 receiver behind Metcalf and Pittman and has drawn pro comparisons to the likes of Jarvis Landry. Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. compared him to Deebo Samuel, showing just how high his ceiling is entering his rookie season.
Germie Bernard can do it ALL on the football field. A Deebo-type player but with better route running & WR traits Steelers fans y’all got a good one with Mr. Bernard #herewego#nfldraftpic.twitter.com/zJcgBbGuzM
Before arriving at Alabama, Bernard began his collegiate career at Michigan State in 2022, following a successful run at Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, where he won a state title in 2019. In his only season with the Spartans, he finished with seven receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Soon after, Bernard transferred to Washington in 2023, joining head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Despite being behind Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, he still produced 34 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns. Odunze, Polk, McMillan, and Bernard all went on to become NFL wide receivers, proving just how talented that room was.
The No. 2 Huskies fell to the No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the National Title, 34-13. After the season, Bernard followed DeBoer to Alabama, following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban.
In two years at Alabama, Bernard developed into a key weapon for his team. In 2024, he finished with 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns. Bernard not only showed improvement but also consistency. This led him to a breakout campaign in 2025.
Last season, Bernard became a dual-threat player, used as both a receiver and a running back. As a receiver, he racked up 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground, Bernard finished with 101 yards on 18 carries, scoring twice.
After his dominant 2025, Bernard accepted an invitation to the Panini Senior Bowl. Entering the league, his ability to constantly improve and get better could allow him to become a long-term staple in the Steelers receiver room.
Under new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, versatility is the name of the game. For Bernard, his versatility allows him to play inside and outside as a wide receiver. He can also line up as a running back, which allows him to take advantage of playing opportunities early in his pro career.
McCarthy mentioned that football comes easily to Bernard and that his understanding is very high. He also mentioned how he feels that he’s been an excellent fit so far.
“Football comes easy to him. His understanding is very high, doesn’t blink. I love his demeanor. You can see why his versatility in college definitely carries over. So, I think he’s been an excellent fit for us,” McCarthy said during his May 9th media availability.
During his May 9 media availability, Bernard spoke on his thought process entering a new offensive system.
“When you first come into an offense, you want to learn everything. You want to be able to be versatile so you can have the most opportunities whenever that time comes,” Bernard said.
Outside of his versatility, Bernard also offers high character. Bernard is strong in his faith and wants to bring that same energy into the Pittsburgh community.
“First and foremost, I want people to know and understand that my identity is in Christ, and that’s something that I believe in the most and something that I want people to see within me, and I want to bring that to the community and have impact in any way I can through that,” Bernard said during his one-on-one sit-down with Missi Matthews.
Bernard also talked about the type of teammate he wants to be.
“I know that this organization is going to get a selfless teammate, a guy that’s going to do everything he can to help the team have success and win,” he said.
Dynamic Trio
Even without a confirmed starting quarterback, the Steelers have set themselves up with a trio of receivers that will allow them to spread the field. Their physicality and ability to make big-time catches will help Drew Allar or Will Howard succeed if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return.
Between Metcalf and Pittman, they combined for 1,634 yards and 13 touchdowns in their 2025 campaigns for their individual teams, the Steelers and Colts. Adding almost 2,000 yards of offense to a team that struggled offensively could be a major upgrade. Add Bernard into the mix, and that’s 2,496 yards and 20 touchdowns between the three receivers. Though these are the combined stats from last season with other teams, it’s a sign that Steelers fans should be optimistic about what’s to come.
DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman are the perfect veterans to learn from, and for Bernard, this could pay off in the long term as he pursues a successful NFL career.
The 2026 season will launch a new era for the Steelers. Mike McCarthy will serve as Pittsburgh's head coach after Mike Tomlin led the team for nearly two decades.
The challenge for McCarthy will be building on the success of the 2025 campaign and pushing the Steelers beyond the wild-card round. It's unclear if Aaron Rodgers, who played under McCarthy in Green Bay, will return for one more year. If he retires, Pittsburgh may be forced to pivot to a young prospect like Will Howard or Drew Allar.
Regardless of which quarterback is under center to start the season, the Steelers know that the road back to the playoffs will be filled with quite a few contenders.
Here is the Steelers' full schedule for the 2026 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2026
Week
Date
Opponent
Kickoff time (ET)
1
Sept. 13
vs. Falcons
1 p.m.
2
Sept. 20
at Patriots
1 p.m.
3
Sept. 27
vs. Bengals
1 p.m.
4
Oct. 1
at Browns
8:15 p.m.
5
Oct. 11
vs. Colts
1 p.m.
6
Oct. 18
at Buccaneers
1 p.m.
7
Oct. 25
vs. Saints (Paris)
9:30 a.m.
8
Nov. 1
vs. Browns
1 p.m.
9
BYE
—
—
10
Nov. 15
at Bengals
8:20 p.m.
11
Nov. 22
at Eagles
4:25 p.m.
12
Nov. 27
vs. Broncos
3 p.m.
13
Dec. 6
vs. Texans
8:20 p.m.
14
Dec. 14
at Jaguars
8:15 p.m.
15
Dec. 20
vs. Ravens
1 p.m.
16
TBD
vs. Panthers
TBD
17
Jan. 3
at Titans
1 p.m.
18
TBD
at Ravens
TBD
Steelers list of 2026 opponents
Home opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Texans, Colts
The 2026 NFL schedule has officially been released, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a historic season under new head coach Mike McCarthy. While fans previously had to rely on leaks and reports, the full path to the postseason is now locked in.
The headliner remains the league's landmark announcement: The Steelers will travel to Stade de France to face the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 25. This Week 7 matchup will be the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in France, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh will have its usual AFC North battles as well as a few contests against opponents from the AFC South and NFC South.
Here is the complete Steelers' 2026 schedule.
Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2026
Week
Date
Opponent
Kickoff time (ET)
1
Sep. 13
vs. Falcons
1 p.m.
2
Sep. 20
at Patriots
1 p.m.
3
Sep. 27
vs. Bengals
1 p.m.
4
Oct. 1
at Browns (TNF)
8:15 p.m.
5
Oct. 11
vs. Colts
1 p.m.
6
Oct. 18
at Buccaneers
1 p.m.
7
Oct. 25
vs. Saints (Paris)
9:30 a.m.
8
Nov. 1
vs. Browns
1 p.m.
9
---
BYE WEEK
---
10
Nov. 15
at Bengals (SNF)
8:20 p.m.
11
Nov. 22
at Eagles
4:25 p.m.
12
Nov. 27
vs. Broncos (Black Friday)
3 p.m.
13
Dec. 6
vs. Texans (SNF)
8:20 p.m.
14
Dec. 14
at Jaguars (MNF)
8:15 p.m.
15
Dec. 20
vs. Ravens
1 p.m.
16
TBD
vs. Panthers
TBD
17
Jan. 3
at Titans
1 p.m.
18
TBD
at Ravens
TBD
Steelers schedule leaks: Latest rumors, news
Full Steelers schedule revealed
The entire schedule for the Steelers has been revealed, from Week 1 against the Falcons to Week 18 against the Ravens. Check it out below.
The NFL confirmed reports that the Steelers will face the Saints in the 2026 Paris Game. New Orleans will be considered the home team in the Week 7 matchup, which will be played on Oct. 25.
Pittsburgh ➡️ Paris
We're taking on the Saints in the @NFL's first-ever Paris Game!
Pittsburgh will reportedly serve host to the NFL's annual Black Friday game, where it will welcome in the reigning AFC West champions Denver Broncos to Acrisure Stadium in Week 12.
Three straight primetime games?
According to schedule links, the Steelers will have three straight games in primetime from Week 12 to Week 14. After the Black Friday game against the Broncos, Pittsburgh will welcome in the Houston Texans for an AFC wild card rematch on Sunday Night Football. Then, after that, Mike McCarthy's team will head south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football.
A portion of the Steelers schedule has been leaked, including their opening game. Pittsburgh will open the 2026 season at home, welcoming in the Atlanta Falcons, who are led by new coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Week 1 vs. Falcons at 1 p.m. (Home Opener) Week 3 vs. Bengals at 1 p.m. Week 5 vs. Colts at 1 p.m. Week 6 at Buccaneers Week 7 at Saints in Paris at 9:30 a.m. EST Week 8 vs. Browns at 1 p.m. Week 12 vs. Broncos a 3 p.m. (Black Friday game) Week…
A few more games have been rumored, including three 1 p.m. kickoffs at Acrisure Stadium against the Bengals, Colts and Browns. Pittsburgh will also go to Tampa Bay in Week 6 to face the Buccaneers.
Steelers to face Patriots in Week 2
According to Jordan Schultz, the Steelers will travel to New England in Week 2 to face the Patriots in their home opener. Mike Vrabel's team will open the season with a Super Bowl 60 rematch before welcoming in Mike McCarthy and co. The Steelers faced the Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Week 3 of the 2025 season, defeating them 21-14.
Steelers list of 2026 opponents
Home opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Texans, Colts
The Steelers made a bold move by drafting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. By selecting Allar so early, there’s a possibility they won’t be in the running for a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft and might instead focus on addressing another position.
CBS Sports NFL analyst Josh Edwards published an extremely early 2027 mock draft on Tuesday, featuring the Steelers selecting Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington with the 10th pick.
"Pittsburgh is once again in a sort of no man's land at the quarterback position. Cameron Heyward cannot play forever, and the Steelers will eventually need additional help along the defensive line, so they take A'Mauri Washington," Edwards wrote.
Washington had a solid opportunity to enter the 2026 NFL Draft and likely would have been selected in the first two rounds. However, he chose to return to Oregon for another season, focusing on winning a championship.
The 6-foot-3 defensive tackle has appeared in 37 games for the Ducks, recording 45 combined tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 46th-best defensive tackle out of 881 last season, placing him 10th in pass rush and 55th in run defense.
The NFL’s global push is reaching another level in 2026, and this season’s international slate feels bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than anything the league has attempted before. With games scheduled across Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico, the NFL is no longer simply testing overseas markets — it is fully embracing the idea of becoming a worldwide sports powerhouse. Fans across four continents will get the opportunity to experience meaningful regular-season matchups featuring some of the league’s biggest franchises, brightest stars, and most passionate fan bases. From historic first-time host cities like Melbourne and Paris to established NFL hotspots like London and Mexico City, the 2026 international schedule showcases just how far the game has expanded beyond the United States.
What makes this year’s lineup especially compelling is the quality of the matchups themselves. Rivalries, playoff-caliber teams, superstar quarterbacks, and major-market franchises are all part of the package. The San Francisco 49ers will make history twice overseas, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to strengthen their London identity, and teams like the Cowboys, Ravens, Bengals, Eagles, and Steelers bring massive international appeal. The NFL clearly understands that these games are no longer novelty events — they are marquee showcases designed to grow the league’s audience and strengthen fan engagement around the globe.
With packed stadiums, unique atmospheres, and global attention expected at every stop, the 2026 NFL International Games could become one of the defining storylines of the upcoming season.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (18) drops a pass while being defended by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Luke Gifford (57) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground — Melbourne, Australia
Week: Week 1 (Sept. 11 AUS / Sept. 10 US)
The NFL could not have picked a better matchup to debut in Australia than a heated NFC West rivalry between the 49ers and Rams. Both franchises are loaded with star power, playoff expectations, and passionate fan bases, which should create an electric atmosphere inside the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground. San Francisco’s physical style and elite roster depth make them perennial contenders, while the Rams continue to build around an explosive offensive system capable of producing fireworks on any stage. This game feels less like a novelty event and more like a legitimate postseason-level showdown to open the international slate.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jahmal Banks (86) catches a pass in front of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (32) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Banks is called for offensive pass interference on the play. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Venue: Maracanã Stadium — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Week: Week 3 (September 27)
Dubbed as one of the most popular teams in the world, the Cowboys, and pairing them against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in Brazil gives the NFL one of its most marketable international matchups ever. Baltimore enters the season with one of the league’s most dangerous offenses and a defense built around speed and aggression, while Dallas remains loaded with star talent and national spotlight appeal. Maracanã Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in sports history, and the atmosphere should feel massive from kickoff to final whistle. If both teams start the season strong, this could easily become one of the most-watched games of the early NFL calendar.
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London, England
Week: Week 4 (October 4)
London fans are set to witness an intriguing battle between two franchises trying to establish themselves as long-term contenders. The Commanders continue building around a young, exciting core, while the Colts hope their offensive growth can help them re-emerge in the AFC playoff picture. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become one of the NFL’s best international venues, consistently delivering strong crowds and energetic atmospheres. This game could feature plenty of offensive creativity and serve as an early measuring stick for both teams’ postseason aspirations.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) intercepts the ball past Jacksonville Jaguars running back D’Ernest Johnson (2) late in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London, England
Week: Week 5 (October 11)
The Eagles bring one of the NFL’s most physical and talented rosters into a matchup against a Jaguars team that continues to strengthen its international identity. Jacksonville has practically become London’s adopted NFL franchise thanks to its consistent overseas appearances, but Philadelphia’s fan base who are willing to spend and travel could make this feel like a playoff atmosphere. The Eagles’ dominance in the trenches and explosive offensive weapons make them one of the league’s most dangerous teams entering 2026. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will view this as an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the NFC’s elite contenders on a global stage.
Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) attempts to sack Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Venue: Wembley Stadium — London, England
Week: Week 6 (October 18)
Jacksonville’s second straight game in London proves they are fit for the international audience entertainment, and it also gives the team a chance to fully embrace their international presence. The Texans, meanwhile, remain one of the NFL’s fastest-rising teams and could arrive in London with major playoff expectations behind their explosive young core. Division matchups are always emotional, physical, and unpredictable, which should make this contest especially entertaining for fans overseas. Wembley Stadium’s history and atmosphere add another layer of significance to a game that could carry major AFC South implications later in the season.
Paris will host its first-ever NFL regular-season game and it is considered as one of the biggest milestones in league history. The game shall feature two interesting teams this off-season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. Pittsburgh remains one of football’s most recognizable global brands thanks to its massive fan following and historic tradition. The Saints bring speed, athleticism, and offensive creativity into a matchup that feels tailor-made for a first-time international showcase in France. Stade de France should provide a spectacular setting for a game that symbolizes the NFL’s growing European footprint.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Venue: Bernabéu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
Week: Week 9 (November 8)
Joe Burrow and the Bengals heading to Madrid gives Spain one of the NFL’s most exciting young stars for its showcase game. Cincinnati is an ideal team featured for an international audience looking for entertainment due to their high-powered passing attack and aggressive offensive mentality. The Falcons continue building a roster filled with speed and offensive playmakers, which could turn this matchup into one of the highest-scoring games on the international schedule. Playing inside the iconic Bernabéu Stadium adds even more prestige to a matchup that already carries serious star power.
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) reaches for the ball while New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan (50) defends during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Venue: FC Bayern Munich Stadium — Munich, Germany
Week: Week 10 (November 15)
Germany has quickly become one of the NFL’s strongest international markets, and this matchup is a fitting feature due to their intriguing team personality and direction. Detroit enters 2026 with championship expectations after several strong seasons, while New England continues trying to return to relevance in the post-dynasty era. The Lions’ physical offense and aggressive mentality should resonate with the passionate Munich crowd, while the Patriots still carry worldwide recognition because of their historic success. This game has the potential to become one of the most intense atmospheres of the entire international series.
Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
The line of scrimmage during the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Venue: Estadio Banorte — Mexico City, Mexico
Week: Week 11 (November 22)
Mexico City will be the concluding venue of the international slate with a matchup that could have major NFC playoff implications by midseason. The 49ers playing their second international game of the year highlights how strongly the league views San Francisco as a global brand. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s explosiveness and aggressive style make them an entertaining opponent capable of producing a dramatic finish. Estadio Banorte has historically delivered some of the loudest and most energetic NFL crowds outside the United States, and this matchup feels like a fitting finale to the league’s most ambitious international schedule ever.
"They're essentially uninstalling everything that he learned and they're reuploading their own methods and fundamentals and mechanics with Allar," Pryor said on Wednesday's episode of SportsCenter.
That's far worse than originally expected, especially for a third-rounder. It's now hard to see why the Steelers drafted him in the first place if he needed so much work.
Unfortunately, Allar's footwork is abysmal, so it's not surprising that Mike McCarthy's coaching staff is overhauling his mechanics. Hopefully they're able to transform him into a usable quarterback, as Pittsburgh may need him if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return.
Login
Steelers fans y’all got a good one with Mr. Bernard 
