Everyone in the NFL world seems to have varying opinions about the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2026 season. And that includes Mike Clay of ESPN, who believes the team has one glaring weakness on defense.

According to Clay, the Steelers' biggest weakness is found at inside linebacker, given the team's inability to stop the run in 2025.

"Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are back as the starters, and that might not be a good thing after Pittsburgh ranked 27th in run stop win rate (28.9%) last season," Clay wrote. "Queen remained an every-down player last season but slipped to 61st among 67 qualified off-ball linebackers in PFF grade (he ranked 54th among 69 qualified in 2024). Wilson could make a Year 3 leap, though he struggled to fend off Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison, who both remain on the roster, for snaps last season."

Yes, Pittsburgh's linebackers struggled in 2025, as evident by Queen and Wilson's 44.0 and 52.6 PFF grades, respectively. But one could argue that the entire defensive scheme was responsible for their shortcomings. And that should change with DC Patrick Graham at the helm in 2026.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: ESPN reveals Steelers' biggest weakness heading into 2026