"Dual Return Player": Steelers Rookie Kaden Wetjen Now Will Save A Roster Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added multiple positions of need in the 2026 NFL Draft. In the second round, the Black and Gold selected a highly-touted receiver, Germie Bernard. Speculation throughout the offseason suggested that Pittsburgh would go with a receiver with one of its high draft picks, and they did with a great fit in Bernard. The organization was rumored to double-dip on certain positions, too. They did just that when they drafted the University of Iowa wide receiver and kick/punt returner Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round. 

Wetjen was named the nation's best returner in 2025, winning The Jet Award for his elite return ability. He led the FBS with 1,039 combined return yards and 26.8 yards per punt return. He was ranked second with 29.8 yards per kick return and tied for the FBS lead with three punt return touchdowns. This pick gives the Steelers a much-needed returner, an area where the team has lacked over the past few seasons. Wetjen will be a surefire, plug-and-play option for the Steelers' return game. His versatility to be able to play both as a kick returner and a punt returner was intriguing for many teams, including the Steelers. 

Pittsburgh's newly hired special teams coordinator, Danny Crossman, revealed the intentions behind selecting a return specialist in the fourth round. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Steelers beat writer Brian Batko reported on X about Crossman's comments and the reasons for the selection. 

"Steelers Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman notes that Kaden Wetjen was their top-rated 'dual return player,' which obviously means they prioritized his ability to be productive on both kickoffs and punts. That saves you a roster spot, ideally," Batko wrote.

The Steelers made an efficient choice with Wetjen, as he can play both returner spots. Often, teams have a player playing each position separately. Wetjen does both, and this could be huge for the team overall, as it could allow the Steelers to add another player, rather than using a roster spot for each position. This gives the team increased versatility for how it can build its roster. 

Wetjen can be used as a receiver, especially in the slot, and his speed can give the Steelers' coaching staff some options on jet sweeps and similar plays. He graded lower than his fourth-round pick spot; however, the dire need for an upgrade and the nature of the draft forced Pittsburgh's hand. Receiver talent was flying off the board, and the franchise seemingly graded Wetjen highly. 

NFL analyst and draft expert Lance Zierlein gave his take on Wetjen's strengths.

"He’s a threat to flip the field at any time as a punt returner. He eludes or breaks the first tackle try and maneuvers around opponents in the open field with great vision. He can handle pitch plays, swing passes from the backfield, or shallow crossers and over routes as a slot receiver. Wetjen offers immediate value as a returner, while a crafty play-caller is likely to install packaged plays for him each week," Zierlein wrote. 

Wetjen could carve a nice role for himself in the Steelers' offense, too. It will be interesting to see if he is used more than just as a returner. 

The Steelers Desperately Needed An Elite Returner

Pittsburgh's return game has been abysmal over the past few seasons. An inability to flip the field presented a huge problem. The last time the Steelers registered a kick return touchdown was in December of 2017, meaning that the Steelers have gone nearly a decade without one. Wetjen would give Pittsburgh an optimal chance at finally getting one. 

No matter what, Pittsburgh needed an upgrade. Saving a roster spot and getting the nation's best returner is well worth the fourth-round pick. Watching the explosiveness of Wetjen will be exciting every time the ball is kicked off or punted for Steelers fans.

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