It's hard to believe training camp is already crossing the finish line for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was the first outing at Latrobe since Mike McCarthy took over as the team's new head coach, and for the most part, he gained rave reviews. It will be interesting to see how some players on his roster move forward.
It's clear that some emerged from training camp as winners, and others as losers.
With only two preseason games remaining, it will be up to those who struggled at training camp to fix their issues. If they can't, it makes sense for them to be among the final roster cuts. Those who emerged as winners at camp should have a strong shot at winning a job. Unless they have abysmal performances going forward, those who are winners of training camp should stay with the team.
Biggest winners and losers of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 training camp
Winner: Asante Samuel Jr.
You could probably name Asante Samuel Jr. as the camp darling this year, as he went out and took advantage of his first team reps.
Without Joey Porter Jr. available in practice, Samuel produced the strongest performance of any player out there. The Steelers should be thrilled with his showing, and not only did Samuel earn a roster spot, but he demanded playing time on defense this season.
Winner: Robert Tonyan
Pittsburgh needed a tight end to round out their depth chart, and Robert Tonyan appears to be their guy. He has connections to Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy, so don't be shocked if the veteran plays an increased role for the Steelers. Tonyan didn't do much to wow anyone at training camp, but the tight end knew how to remain consistent to keep his name in the mix to win a vacancy.
Winner: Robert Spears-Jennings
Although Robert Spears-Jennings didn't do anything special when he got first-team reps, it seems that the club believes in him. He had a solid game in their first preseason action, and the rookie safety might've done enough to win a roster spot. Expect Spears-Jennings to require more proof of sticking around over the next two preseason games, but he's in a good place coming out of camp.
Winner: Broderick Jones
No one thought Broderick Jones would be available to participate this summer, let alone be effective at training camp. He has shown resilience in difficult circumstances, and Jones had an effective summer of practices in Latrobe.
Jones still needs to get into football shape, but you can see the fire in his eye as he does his best to prove his worth going into a contract year.
Winner: Daylen Everette
Another rookie who stood out at training camp was Daylen Everette.
The rookie cornerback was one of the Steelers' third-round selections this past spring, and he showed he not only belongs in the NFL, but he should get some playing time. You could see some growing pains that come with being a fresh player in the league, but Everette more than held his own and rounded out a strong summer dating back to before camp.
Winner: Spencer Anderson
There was a clear storyline of the right guard competition going into the summer, but Spencer Anderson squashed that early on. The veteran interior lineman found a way to succeed early on with the new coaching staff and forced his competition, Brock Hoffman, into a depth role. Anderson must prove his worth each week for the starting job, but he has a strong grip on it for now.
Loser: Joey Porter Jr.
From a financial standpoint, no one had a tougher summer than Joey Porter Jr.
The budding star cornerback for the Steelers saw many from his draft class receive contract extensions this offseason and preseason, but he is still waiting. He sat out the entire training camp with a 'back' issue, and unless a contract arises, that injury doesn't seem to be healing anytime soon. The young defender must be frustrated.
Loser: Kaleb Johnson
Wow, things have deteriorated quickly for Kaleb Johnson and his future in Pittsburgh. The third-rounder from last year has started to slide down the depth chart, and now it seems unlikely that he will make the roster. Hopefully, if the Steelers do part with Johnson, they can get something for him on the trade market. It's a shame how things are developing with the young running back.
Loser: Malik Harrison
The writing on the wall became clear for Malik Harrison once the team signed Elandon Roberts going into the first preseason game. Even if they didn't bring back Roberts, it's unlikely Harrison was going to stick on the roster. Pittsburgh just hasn't been a place that has worked out for the depth linebacker. It's obvious that the Steelers will make Harrison a cap casualty coming out of training camp.
Loser: Gennings Dunker
This isn't a loser marker for Gennings Dunker because he played poorly, but he didn't rise the depth chart either. He ran with the third-team offense for the majority of training camp, and the Steelers seemed to be cautious with his development. The rookie is transitioning from tackle to guard in the pros, so that could be their reasoning.
Dunker should be fine, but it was slightly disappointing for him.
Loser: Dean Lowry
When you don't hear much about a name at training camp, it's usually bad news. The connections Dean Lowry has within the Steelers organization are clear, but that might not save his roster spot. His veteran experience would be nice to have on the defensive line, but younger players are nipping at his heels. Unless he plays lights out for the last two preseason games, Lowry could get cut.
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