2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing Paris NFL debut vs. Steelers

Common connections in Saints vs. Steelers

Longtime Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans is the Steelers' assistant offensive line coach. Former Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop signed a futures contract with the Saints this offseason, and former Saints sixth-round wide receiver A.T. Perry signed a futures contract with the Steelers this offseason. They didn't work together in New Orleans, but Saints head coach Kellen Moore called plays under then-Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who the Steelers hired this offseason.

Notable changes since the last meeting in Saints vs. Steelers

• The Steelers enter 2026 under new leadership, having parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and hiring Mike McCarthy as their new head man. Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is still in limbo; Aaron Rodgers appears to be the likely option at the position in 2026, but he’s yet to re-sign with the team. Will Howard, rookie draft pick Drew Allar, and Mason Rudolph are the three main options behind Rodgers.
• Pittsburgh added a new running back to its backfield in free agency, signing former Panthers running back Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million deal. They also bolstered their secondary by giving cornerback Jamel Dean a three-year, $36.75 million contract.

Containing the Steelers’ talented wide receivers will be a tall order for a young, relatively inexperienced defensive backfield. DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard are all new additions over the last two seasons — it’ll be interesting to see how Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and the rest of the secondary hold up in France.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 Saints opponents: Previewing Saints vs. Steelers in Paris