Overview
- The Jaguars, which were reported Thursday to have “protected” their 2026 home date with the Steelers, are set to keep the matchup in Jacksonville rather than London.
- Under an NFL policy for international hosts, teams can designate up to two opponents they prefer not to play overseas, and Jacksonville applied that protection to Pittsburgh.
- EverBank Stadium is undergoing a reported $1.4 billion renovation that will cut seating by about 50% this season, so the team aims to keep a high-demand home gate.
- Pittsburgh’s fan base is known for traveling in large numbers, and the Jaguars have a long London track record, factors cited in reports for keeping this game stateside.
- Other clubs are doing the same, with the 49ers reportedly using the protection rule for their Mexico City game, signaling broader strategy as the NFL expands its 2026 international slate.