The 2016 preseason schedule was released today, and while exact dates aren't known yet, home and away opponents and which week the teams will play is official.
The Steelers will open up at home against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field the first week of the preseason.
And it will be a home game for the Steelers the following week as welll, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at Heinz Field in Week 2.
The Steelers will close out the preseason on the road against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3 and the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, the 14th consecutive year the two teams will meet in the final week of the preseason.
The following is a look at the Steelers' 2016 preseason schedule:
| Date | Opponent | TV |
|---|---|---|
| WEEK 1 | vs. Detroit Lions | NFL Network |
| WEEK 2 | vs. Philadelphia Eagles | KDKA-TV |
| WEEK 3 | at New Orleans Saints* * | KDKA-TV |
| WEEK 4 | at Carolina Panthers | KDKA-TV |
A closer look at the Steelers preseason opponents:
Detroit Lions
Key Offseason Additions: The Lions added wide receivers Marvin Jones and Jeremy Kerley, along with cornerbacks Johnson Bademosi and Darrin Walls, safeties Rafael Bush and Tavon Wilson, defensive linemen Stefan Charles and Wallace Gilberry, running back Stevan Ridley and guard Geoff Schwartz.
Mock Draft Outlook: With the 16th overall pick NFL mock drafts have some disagreement as to who the Lions will pick. Among those they have the Lions selecting are defensive tackles A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama) and Chris Jones (Mississippi State), offensive tackle Jack Conklin (Michigan State) inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (Alabama).
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Offseason Additions: The Eagles signed nine free agents this offseason, including safety Rodney McLean, guard Brandon Brooks, quarterback Chase Daniel, linebacker Nigel Bradham, center Steve Wisniewski and receiver Ruben Randle.
Mock Draft Outlook: The Eagles hold the eighth pick overall and NFL mock drafts have them taking California quarterback Jared Goff, Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott or Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin.
New Orleans Saints
Key Offseason Additions: The Saints added defensive tackle Nick Fairley, tight end Coby Fleener, linebacker James Laurinaitis, and linebacker Craig Robertson this offseason.
Mock Draft Outlook: The Saints hold the 12th pick overall and NFL mock drafts have them pegged taking defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins from Louisville or A'Shawn Robinson from Alabama. Another player they could have their eye on is Mississippi wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Carolina Panthers
Key Offseason Additions: The Panthers kept five of their own free agents, including fullback Mike Tolbert and Stephen Hill. They added center Gino Gradkowski, safety Trenton Robinson, defensive tackle Paul Soliai and former Steelers cornerback Brandon Boykin.
Mock Draft Outlook: The Panthers have the 30th pick overall in the first round, and the target varies depending on who you listen to. Among those named in mock drafts for the Panthers are West Virginia safety Karl Joseph, Texas A&M guard Germain Ifedi, as well as defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah (Oklahoma State), and Shaq Lawson (Clemson).
