The Pittsburgh Steelers have assembled a wide receiver room that appears nearly impossible to crack. DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, and Roman Wilson occupy the first four spots, while Ben Skowronek's value on special teams makes him extremely difficult to remove.
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Steelers receiver Brandon Smith catches a pass at training camp.
Pittsburgh also invested a fourth-round pick in Kaden Wetjen during the 2026 NFL Draft. Wetjen possesses rare ability as a return specialist, but his offensive role remains unclear. Keeping someone who primarily returns kicks creates a roster squeeze when the Steelers already have several receivers demanding spots.
That should leave almost no path for Brandon Smith. However, the overlooked receiver is making Pittsburgh's decision considerably more complicated through the first nine practices of training camp.
Smith has earned opportunities throughout the entire offense. He has not allowed the quarterback, personnel grouping, or level of competition to prevent him from producing. While assessing Pittsburgh's crowded receiver competition on the Locked On Steelers podcast, Chris Carter detailed just how consistently Smith has delivered.
"Brandon Smith has been present on the first-team offense, second-team offense, and third-team offense," Carter said. "Whenever they have needed a guy to step in, Brandon Smith has been making the plays."
That versatility is significant. Smith is not simply dominating players fighting for reserve jobs while working exclusively with Pittsburgh's third-team offense. He has reportedly adapted whenever the Steelers have moved him into a different group.
Producing with Aaron Rodgers carries the most weight. If Rodgers develops enough trust in Smith to tell the coaching staff that he needs the receiver available during the season, Pittsburgh may have to create a place for him.
Still, training camp success can disappear once preseason games begin. Carter acknowledged that countless players have generated excitement during practices before failing to produce when the evaluation moves into a stadium. Smith must prove that his strong start can survive that transition.
"Maybe that's what's happening with Brandon Smith during the first nine practices, but I have been impressed by his ability to get open and make things work," Carter said. "I've been really impressed by how he has worked and put things together. I think that, honestly, if I see more from him, it's going to be interesting to see where he fits in the offense and where he fits on this depth chart. He's been connecting with Aaron Rodgers. If he's dependable with the young quarterbacks, which I think is why he will pop so much in preseason games, it's going to be tough to let him go. Maybe he finds a way to be that fifth or sixth option on this depth chart."
Smith does not deserve a roster spot yet. He needs an exceptional preseason and continued approval behind the scenes before Pittsburgh should consider altering its original plans. The intrigue comes from Carter even believing that possibility exists. Looking at the depth chart, there should be no room for Smith. The fact that he is forcing his name into the discussion reveals how impressive he has been.
Skowronek is essentially untouchable because of his special teams impact. He earned Pro Bowl recognition for that work in 2025 and has Rodgers' trust. Smith would need to challenge someone else, which places Wetjen directly under the spotlight. Wetjen's fourth-round draft status gives him security, but it should not guarantee him a position. If another receiver can contribute offensively while also providing value in the return game, Pittsburgh must consider which player offers more on Sundays.
Steelers Could Face A Stunning Decision
Smith now has an opportunity to turn a crowded depth chart into a genuine controversy. The bold prediction is that he produces an explosive preseason, becomes too productive to dismiss, and forces Pittsburgh to keep him on the initial 53-man roster.
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Steelers wide receiver Brandon Smith goes through a drill during 2026 minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
For that to happen, Smith must continue getting open, produce with Pittsburgh's younger quarterbacks, and prove he can contribute beyond scripted practices. One quiet preseason performance could erase much of the momentum he has created.
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