The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their fair share of struggles over the last handful of seasons, but there is reason to be excited for 2026 as the roster looks much improved from what it was in 2025. The main source of optimism is the fact that the organization has improved some areas of weakness, and the team is having the same starting quarterback to open back to back seasons for the first time since 2020-2021. There is some continuity and improvement in Pittsburgh, and that has some portions of the fan base very excited to see what the team looks like.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf with Michael Pittman Jr. during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh during the 2026 offseason.
In recent years, it has been obvious that depth at the wide receiver position has been an issue in Pittsburgh. In 2025, it was just DK Metcalf at the top of the wide receiver room, and with no other legitimate threats behind him, it was fairly easy for opposing defenses to take him out of the game. That will be harder to do after the organization acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts at the start of free agency. He is a dependable veteran that specializes in intermediate routes and making plays over the middle of the field, which should make life easier for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Behind the two veterans is Roman Wilson as well as rookie wideout Germie Bernard. Those two will be dueling for the third spot on the depth chart, and beat writer Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning to give his prediction on what will happen.
"I'm going to go out on a limb and say Roman to start training camp, but Bernard is going to take over," Kaboly said. "He's just advanced for a rookie. I don't know if that's Alabama, I don't know if that's just because how he's made up. He's different right now. If they do hold him back for a little bit, it's not going to be for long."
Kaboly believes Wilson may start training camp as the third wide receiver, but that won't last. Bernard has shown that he is advanced for a rookie and he has the potential to be a great player in this league. Pittsburgh will want to see him on the field, but Wilson will certainly put up a fight.
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Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard prepares to haul in a pass as he goes through a drill during 2026 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
Bernard was thought of highly going into the 2026 NFL Draft, and that is why the Steelers traded up to land him in the second round of the event. If the draft had not been so deep at wide receiver, he probably would have been picked in the first round. He played college football at Michigan State, Washington, and then Alabama, so he is seasoned and has worked in several different offenses. He seems to be acting as a professional, and Kaboly has him highlighted most out of all the rookies.
Fans have been rooting for Wilson over the last few seasons, but he is in a tough position right now. He needs to stay healthy and continue to improve, and hopefully he can carve out a role for himself in 2026.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Will Need To Have Great Relationship With Germie Bernard
Bernard might have the skills to be a great wide receiver in the NFL, but he needs to be sure that he is on the same page as Rodgers. The veteran quarterback demands a lot from his wide receivers, and he is extremely detail-oriented.
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Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the 2026 offseason in Pittsburgh, PA.
He needs to trust who he is throwing the football to, and that is going to be important if the team wants Bernard to take that role as the third wide receiver and be a major contributor this upcoming season.
What do you think about this prediction from insider Mark Kaboly? Let me know on X, @brogannoey, and follow us for more news!
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