Steelers Rookie Kaden Wetjen Has Bold Goal For NFL Career

The Pittsburgh Steelers severely lacked a solid return game in the 2025 season. The team was in the bottom four in average yards per kick return with an abysmal 24.2 yards. The Steelers were also in the bottom half of the league in average yards per punt return (8.8). The collective hasn’t had a kick return for a touchdown since 2017, and the last punt return for one was in 2024. The return woes could be remedied in 2026 with a dynamic returner in fourth-round pick Kaden Wetjen out of the University of Iowa.  

The front office used a premium pick on a player who was primarily a kick returner as a Hawkeye. However, Wetjen winning the Jet Award as the nation's best returner in both 2024 and 2025 and proved he can flip the field and score touchdowns. His 4.47 40-yard dash speed and shiftiness will be a difference-maker for the Steelers' special teams unit. Wetjen returns both kicks and punts, which are jobs often done by two different players; this could save the team a roster spot. 

Wetjen made his way from junior college to a prestigious Iowa program, where he led the FBS with 1,039 combined return yards and tied the FBS lead with three punt return touchdowns. The fourth-round pick proved he can be a huge weapon in college, but he wants it to translate to the pro level, too. Wetjen sat down for a 1-on-1 interview on KCRG-TV9, a local Iowa news station, after he was drafted. He explained his big aspirations for his career and the upcoming season. 

"My goal this year is to be a top-three returner in the league, both punt and kick return-wise. So, already setting the bar high and then eventually having a bunch of years in a row that definitely, returner-wise, will be the top returner in the league, and then offensively contribute as well," Wetjen said. 

The Steelers would have a steal if Wetjen ends up being a top-rated returner in the league, especially after picking him in the fourth round. Pittsburgh made this pick to ensure its special teams can really help the offense, as the explosive plays from the return teams have lacked tremendously.

The goal is for Wetjen to change things. The Black and Gold had a committee of punt returners in 2025, but lost Calvin Austin III in free agency. The goal is to replace his production, and then some. 

Wetjen's goals for being a weapon in the Steel City aren't just limited to being a returner. He didn't see a ton of work at Iowa as a receiver; however, based on his NFL Combine tape, he is a more than capable route runner. Iowa's offense relies a lot on the run, and that limited Wetjen's ability to get involved. As a Steeler, Wetjen seems to want an expanded role on offense. He would play primarily in the slot based on his 5'9” 193-pound frame; a spot where the Steelers have lacked weapons.

Wetjen understands his value, especially with the NFL's new dynamic kickoff rules. Through his draft process, he was told what he could bring to a team. 

"All the scouts I was talking to throughout the whole process, they're like, ‘I mean, you're just that much more valuable now’, and you've even seen the return numbers and the scoring numbers go up. That's the plan, make it more dangerous to kick it to us than to kick it out of the end zone," Wetjen said. 

Wetjen could make a huge difference in setting up great field position for the offense. Completely flipping the script from 2025. A fourth-round pick may not be that big of a price to pay for his potential production. 

The Steelers Could Have A Steal In Wetjen

If Wetjen can expand his game on offense, he could become an amazing pick. He'll have a chance as a potential gadget guy in the offense. Historically, Head Coach Mike McCarthy likes to use three and four-receiver sets, which could give Wetjen a chance to carve a role in the offense. His speed and route-running ability make him an intriguing option. Wetjen's rookie season will be one to watch, hopefully with some big returns. 

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