The Pittsburgh Steelers' receivers were nothing short of underwhelming in 2025. Besides DK Metcalf, the team struggled to find high-quality depth behind him. While Calvin Austin III presented himself as a decent option, he wasn't exactly the pairing that would help the offense in that role. Pittsburgh needed a true wide receiver two (WR2), who would complement Metcalf. When he was suspended, the Steelers' offense really showed its lack of depth. However, this offseason saw the front office make receiver a point of emphasis by adding Michael Pittman Jr. and drafting Germie Bernard in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a postseason matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans.
With a better receiver corps, the offense has a much better chance to shine in 2026. The depth has obviously improved at the position. One key factor is Bernard's production. While quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn't always fared well with rookie receivers, he tends to call out some of his players. It seems like Bernard is passing the tests so far in the Steelers' Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He'll have a chance to fight for the team's WR3 spot throughout the offseason.
While it's unclear how a rookie receiver could be involved early in the offense, the Steelers may involve Bernard a ton. Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo recently responded to a fan-asked question in his online chat. The fan asked about whether or not there will be only a set of packages for Bernard or if Pittsburgh would involve him early.
"They might have to throw him into the fire. And I don't think that's a bad thing," Fittipaldo said.
Bernard played four years at the college level and had two exceptional years at the University of Alabama. In his two years combined as a member of the Crimson Tide, he caught 114 passes for 1,656 yards and 12 total touchdowns. He improved each year in college and was a premier part of the Alabama offense. Now, he'll have to prove himself to Steelers coaches to gain a big role in the scheme.
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Steelers' Germie Bernard during his photoshoot in Pittsburgh after being drafted in the second round in 2026.
The Steelers needed a slot receiver badly. Bernard played nearly half of his snaps there in 2025, but also proved he could be an outside threat, too. New head coach Mike McCarthy has voiced that his receivers need to be versatile, and Bernard can be that. The rookie will really only have to battle with Roman Wilson for reps, as the depth beyond them isn't a concern for their snap counts.
Bernard is also versatile in the fact that he can line up in the backfield and be a threat on jet sweeps and wide receiver run plays. This will add another layer to his usage and will help him find the field more. While there will be some big expectations for him, he's proven he can adapt to the language so far. He has the skills to be a true weapon in this newly-formed offense, and he already has the confidence from his teammates.
Steelers Receivers Are Primed For A Big Year
Last season, Rodgers got the ball out in a hurry on a regular basis. The offensive scheme was built around quick, short throws. A lot of times, this was to make up for a young offensive line that struggled in protection. But the receivers were to blame, too. Now, the additions to the offense and a new system will help the receivers thrive.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf catches the football during a joint practice against Tampa Bay.
The system will rely heavily on the passing game. McCarthy is not afraid to throw the ball in his West Coast offense. Steelers receivers will benefit from this change. Now with solid depth, Metcalf isn't going to have to face double- and sometimes triple-teams like he did last year. This trio should bring more rhythm to an offense that felt rudderless in the previous system. Bernard will be a big part of this in his rookie campaign.
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