Steelers Coach McCarthy Excited About NFL Draft Haul

McCarthy discusses Rodgers, team-building, and the importance of adding quality depth

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the strategic complexity of an NFL team's roster construction.McCarthy's emphasis on building roster depth through the draft reflects the Steelers' holistic approach to team-building.Phoenix Today

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media at the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, touching on a variety of topics. McCarthy expressed optimism about the team's 12 draft picks, saying 'you can't have enough good football players.' He also discussed his ongoing conversations with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is a free agent after playing for the Steelers last season.

Why it matters

The Steelers are looking to build on their success from last season, and McCarthy's comments indicate the team is focused on adding talent through the draft to bolster both the starting lineup and depth. Rodgers' future with the team remains a key storyline, as his experience working with McCarthy in the past could be a factor in his decision.

The details

McCarthy said the Steelers' draft process is similar to what he experienced in Green Bay and Dallas, with the team focused on finding the right profiles to fit their system. He emphasized the importance of building a roster beyond just the 53-man squad, noting it took 77 players to win the Super Bowl in his previous stint as a head coach. The Steelers have 12 picks in the upcoming draft, and McCarthy is hopeful they can find a quarterback to add to the roster at the right time.

  • The NFL Annual League Meeting is currently underway in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • Steelers players are set to report for the offseason program next week.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, attending his first league meeting in that role after previously serving as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who played for the Steelers in the 2025 season and is currently a free agent. Rodgers has a history of success working with McCarthy from their time together in Green Bay.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is working with McCarthy and the coaching staff to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“You can't have enough good football players. And winning one Super Bowl (McCarthy won Super Bowl XLV with Green Bay) and giving the talk that night at the ring ceremony, it took 77 players to win the championship. The message is, all those young guys that are on the practice squad, you'll never hear me talk about the 53, I'll talk about the 68.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“I think experience plays into it, not only talking about his experience, but about my own. I'm in a position that 20 years ago, and I think we all do this, 20 years ago you probably reacted to situations a little different than you do today. Emotional, education and maturity is a real thing. But I'm comfortable with the dialog that's occurred. We'll just keep working.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers will continue their preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. McCarthy and the team's front office will work to identify the best players to add to the roster, both for the starting lineup and to build quality depth.

The takeaway

McCarthy's comments highlight the Steelers' focus on building a well-rounded roster through the draft, rather than just targeting immediate starters. The team's approach to quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future also suggests a measured, experienced perspective as they navigate that key offseason decision.