The Steelers have left virtuallyno position on the roster untouched this offseason, and the wide receiver group is no exception. Having experienced yet another one-and-done postseason exit, they are trying just about anything to achieve more favorable results. With bold swings via trade, shrewd free-agent signings, and a clear draft priority, the 2026 Steelers are taking shape.
With training camp fast approaching, it’s time to go over the Steelers’ roster to see where we are and how we got here in the first place. This has been an offseason arguably unlike any other for the organization, featuring major turnover. They’ve gone through so much change, it feels necessary at this time to take stock before we move on.
Position:Wide Receiver
Total Positional Figure: 10
Additions: 3
Deletions: 1
Players Retained:
DK Metcalf: Remaining the Steelers’ top wide receiver, DK Metcalf must step up in his second season with the team. The Steelers have invested too much in him for him to fall short, and they don’t have any immediate alternatives. While Germie Bernard is an exciting prospect, he doesn’t necessarily scream future 1A. Metcalf’s rapport with Aaron Rodgers this offseason has reportedly looked strong.
Michael Pittman Jr.: The Steelers saw the shortfall they had at wide receiver last year and made another move this offseason. Trading for Pittman, they now have two reliable veterans at the top of the order. But what is Pittman’s ceiling, and how much does he have left in the tank? He actually fared well with Daniel Jones last season with the Colts, so hopefully flourishes with Rodgers.
Roman Wilson: The third-year wide receiver must finally break out this season if he wishes to have a future in the NFL, let alone in Pittsburgh. It’s high time for him to carve out a regular role, which won’t be easy in a crowded room. Somehow, he has to stay ahead of Bernard, or at least stay relevant enough to contribute.
Ben Skowronek: Returning as a Pro Bowl special teamer, Skowronek likely won’t have a big role on the Steelers’ offense. If he does, they’re in trouble, but he figures to be fifth in line. His rapport with Rodgers won’t hurt, and he’s a big body who can block. They’ve had worse fifth receivers before, for sure.
Brandon Smith: The Steelers added three wide receivers at the end of last season who were not with them during the year. Smith is one of them, having previously spent time—and receiving very little playing time—with the Jets. He has decent size but is already 27 years old.
Cole Burgess: A 6-1 big body who previously spent time on the Bengals’ practice squad, Burgess is new to the Steelers’ wide receiver room this year, signed after last season ended. He is a long shot to make the roster but could compete for the practice squad.
A.T. Perry: Another Reserve/Futures player, Perry joined the Steelers’ wide receiver room with Smith and Burgess. His distinguishing trait is his 6-5 frame, and he has the most NFL experience of the group, logging 10 games with the Saints in 2023. Of his 12 career catches, four have gone for touchdowns.
Players Added:
Germie Bernard: The Steelers missed out on wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round. To avoid another mistake, they traded up in the second to land Germie Bernard. While he has no one quality that sets him apart, he has the traits of a reliable professional. Spring reports characterized him as a quick learner who could contribute early.
Kaden Wetjen: The Steelers’ fourth-round pick, Wetjen is more return man than wide receiver. But he’ll likely fill a roster spot in the wide receiver room, to some extent, as far as that is relevant. While he could be dynamic on special teams, his contributions on offense figure to be limited. But if the Steelers can construct some opportunities to give him the ball in space, he offers splash potential.
Joaquin Davis: Among the Steelers’ most recent moves, Davis previously worked with OC Brian Angelichio. He is an athletic player, including a sub-4-4 40 time.
Levi Wentz: The Steelers don’t even have him listed on their website as of this writing. Wentz is a rookie free agent who previously signed with the Seahawks. Known more for his physicality, he lacks blazing speed, verging on a 4.6 time.
Players Lost:
John Rhys Plumlee: Remember this guy? The Steelers briefly brought him back this offseason, listing him as a wide receiver. They waived the former college quarterback in late April, however.
Notes and Camp Outlook:
The Steelers are set at the top of their wide receiver depth chart, and they have the likely candidates already in place, for the most part. At this stage, it’s more about the pecking order and who can contribute what. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman are their starters. Germie Bernard and Roman Wilson will fight for playing time behind them, and for offense, that might be it.
In the past, the Steelers used Ben Skowronek at wide receiver as a blocker. But they have a pretty physical wide receiver group at the top now, including Metcalf and Pittman, both 6-4. Kaden Wetjen is close to a roster lock because they intend for him to be a special return man. No doubt, they’ll also look for ways he can contribute offensively during training camp.
Related Items:A.T. Perry, Ben Skowronek, Brandon Smith, Cole Burgess, DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, Joaquin Davis, John Rhys Plumlee, Kaden Wetjen, Levi Wentz, Michael Pittman Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers, Roman Wilson
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