The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to uncover another dynamic offensive weapon during their 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Rookie Kaden Wetjen caught both of his targets for 79 yards and scored a touchdown during an electric NFL debut.
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Pittsburgh Steelers return specialist Kaden Wetjen (10) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Wetjen also handled his expected responsibilities on special teams, returning three kickoffs for 61 yards and two punts for 10 yards. It was exactly the type of versatile performance Pittsburgh envisioned when it selected him with the 121st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, Steelers reporter Mike DeFabo revealed that Wetjen's breakout performance did not resemble what reporters consistently watched throughout training camp. During an appearance on The Yinziders, DeFabo admitted that the rookie surprised him against Green Bay.
"Kaden Wetjen kind of surprised me. I was kind of down on him," DeFabo said. "What we saw from him there [against the Packers] is not what we have seen during training camp. I think Mike McCarthy hinted at that when he was asked about Kaden Wetjen. He said, 'Frankly, we need more of it.'"
The comment creates an important distinction surrounding Wetjen's immediate future. His position on Pittsburgh's roster should not be in serious danger, but his offensive role remains unsettled. Teams rarely invest a fourth-round selection in a specialist and release him before providing a legitimate opportunity to prove himself. That is particularly true when the player arrives with Wetjen's return credentials.
Wetjen became the first two-time winner of the Jet Award, which recognizes the best return specialist in college football. He also finished his Iowa career with six combined kickoff and punt-return touchdowns. Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Crossman called him Pittsburgh's highest-rated dual return prospect after the draft and described him as a potentially major addition.
Steelers Need Kaden Wetjen To Show More Versatility
The greater question is whether Wetjen can become more than a specialist. He recorded only 23 receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown across three seasons at Iowa, meaning Pittsburgh did not draft him because of proven receiving production. His performance against Green Bay offered legitimate encouragement. Wetjen did not merely produce during a controlled practice or offseason workout. He delivered once the lights came on, even if the performance occurred during a preseason game.
That should matter more than his quiet training camp to this point. Return specialists must possess the confidence to perform in chaotic, high-pressure situations. Wetjen demonstrated that quality during his first opportunity against NFL competition.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers return specialist Kaden Wetjen (10) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The performance also showed that Mike McCarthy may be able to manufacture offensive touches for him. Wetjen does not need to become a traditional every-down receiver immediately. Pittsburgh can use his speed through screens, shallow routes, motion and designed opportunities in space. McCarthy's demand for more remains fair. One impressive night cannot erase an inconsistent camp, especially for a rookie attempting to learn an offensive position he did not play extensively in college.
Wetjen now has two preseason games remaining to prove the opening performance was not a fluke. He must show that he can consistently execute his assignments, avoid mental mistakes and impact the offense beyond one explosive night. His roster spot should be safe because of his draft status and potential in the return game. His offensive opportunities must still be earned. Wetjen passed his first game-day test in convincing fashion. The next challenge is proving he can provide Pittsburgh with that same electricity consistently and in more than one role.
The Steelers do not need Wetjen to become a polished receiver immediately. They need dependable execution, secure ball handling and enough offensive versatility to prevent opponents from predicting his role. If he supplies those elements, Pittsburgh can justify carrying a specialist while gradually expanding his responsibilities throughout 2026.
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