Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Wide Receivers

The Steelers completely reshaped their wide receiver room during the offseason, giving Aaron Rodgers a much different, and more dangerous, group of targets than he had a year ago. Pittsburgh added proven veterans, invested in youth, and still has a former higher draft pick looking to carve out a larger role.

Here’s a look at the primary receivers to watch when training camp opens in Latrobe.

D.K. Metcalf

Everything begins with Metcalf, who led the Steelers with 850 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns last season.

However, those numbers were a letdown, especially after the trade of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Metcalf, was acquired during last offseason to become Pittsburgh’s new number one receiving threat, but the knock quickly became that there was no one else in the group that could take pressure off of him.

This year there will be no excuses.

Metcalf brings the size, speed, and physicality the Steelers were missing for years. Few defensive backs can match up with his combination of strength and explosiveness, making him the obvious focal point of the passing game.

What to watch: The growing chemistry between Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers. The two connected early in last year’s camp and the thought is new head coach Mike McCarthy can unlock this connection. If the two develop quickly, Metcalf could be in line for one of the best statistical seasons of his career.

Michael Pittman Jr.

If Metcalf was last year’s big bet, Pittman is this year’s gamble too. Acquired this offseason in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittman gives Pittsburgh something it hasn’t consistently had in years: another legitimate starting-caliber receiver opposite its top target.

Known for his toughness, contested-catch ability, and willingness to do the dirty work over the middle, Pittman should thrive in an offense that values physical football. He was firmly planted as a second or third receiver in the Colts’ offense, but that was a good thing as his consistency is what the Steelers offense has sorely lacked outside of their WR1.

In six season with the Colts, Pittman twice eclipsed 1,000 yards receiver, but has never been a double-digit touchdown scorer.

That should be okay, even coming off of a career-high seven scores last season, this 6’4″ receiver will also be surrounded by other tall targets, such as Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Pittman may not produce highlight-reel plays every week, but he should be a net positive overall for the offense with every receiver (and tight end) benefiting from his presence.

What to watch: How often Pittsburgh utilizes Pittman in the slot versus outside. His versatility gives the offense flexibility depending on personnel packages.

Germie Bernard

After being overly criticized for having no credible receiving threats other than Metcalf last season, the Steelers traded for Pittman, then entered the draft seeking another playmaker.

A widely publicized gaff after attempting to draft USC’s Makai Lemon led to the Steelers passing on a receiver in round one of this year’s NFL Draft, but following up with the selection of Alabama’s Bernard in the second round.

The rookie enters camp with an opportunity to earn immediate playing time. He has drawn praise for his route-running, football IQ, and dependable hands. While expectations should remain realistic for a first-year receiver, Pittsburgh didn’t draft him simply to watch from the sideline.

One feather in Bernard’s cap is that he played for three different college programs: Michigan State, Washington, and Alabama. His success despite constant change should be a benefit as he jumps to the pros. He also caught passes from now NFL talent, such as Michael Penix Jr., Ty Simpson, and Jalen Milroe, making those quarterbacks sought after prospects at the next level.

If Bernard continues progressing throughout camp, he could quickly become part of the regular offensive rotation early on.

What to watch: Whether Bernard earns Rodgers’ trust. Veteran quarterbacks tend to reward receivers who consistently run the correct route and secure the football.

Roman Wilson

Few Steelers have more to prove entering training camp than Wilson.

After an injury-plagued rookie season limited his development, Wilson entered year two and had a promising preseason, before seemingly finding his way into the doghouse.

He essentially gets a fresh start under a new coaching staff, but there’s much to be said about the Steelers opting to bring in beyond-their-prime talent such as Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling last year. There was certainly a trust issue, but it’s hard to say with home that issue lied.

Wilson’s physicality, speed and ability to separate remain intriguing, but availability and consistency will ultimately determine his role.

With several new faces ahead of him on the depth chart, Wilson faces an important summer. A strong camp could earn him meaningful snaps, while an inconsistent performance could leave him battling simply to make the final 53-man roster.

What to watch: Can Wilson finally flash the playmaking ability that made him an third round draft pick?

Others

The competition behind Pittsburgh’s top four receivers should be one of the more entertaining position battles throughout camp, with several players competing for the final roster spots.

Ben Skowronek and rookie Kaden Wetjen both bring value to the roster, but much of that comes through their contributions on special teams. (They’ll be covered in greater detail as part of our upcoming special teams preview.)

The remaining receivers will spend training camp fighting to separate themselves for what are likely just a handful of roster openings, making every practice rep and preseason opportunity critical.

Final Thoughts

Unlike recent seasons where Pittsburgh searched for answers behind one established receiver, this year’s group appears considerably deeper entering training camp. Metcalf and Pittman provide veteran stability, Bernard offers exciting upside, and Wilson enters perhaps the most important camp of his young career.

The way this group looks on paper leads us to believe they may add another veteran during the preseason, depending on the play of Bernard and Wilson too. The group simply isn’t deep enough, and the other names coming to camp lack any excitement at this juncture.

However, one name may make a leap from the running back group to being a receiving threat: rookie Eli Heidenreich. The seventh round pick from Navy has drawn some sleeper comparisons to Christian McCaffrey. Yet, he’s another unproven name beyond the top two receivers, making this entire room one to watch during camp.