Surviving 53-man roster cuts is challenging for inexperienced players. Especially if they haven't used an action-packed preseason to the fullest. The Pittsburgh Steelers provided their young players with plenty of opportunities in recent weeks, and Kaden Wetjen left a lasting impression despite facing more adversity than peers in his position.
His performance in the Steelers’ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills was the icing on the cake after a noteworthy preseason. It should also result in a spot on the final roster.
There’s always room for playmakers on the depth chart. Ironically, Wetjen fits the definition precisely. A decorated career with the Iowa Hawkeyes showcased his electric special teams abilities. Pittsburgh’s fourth-round investment was a consensus All-American in 2025 and became the first player to win the Jet Award as the nation’s top return specialist in consecutive seasons.
And his stats back up the hardware. His 17.7 yards per punt return ranks No.1 in Conference history.
It’s impossible to ignore explosiveness. Especially when he turns small plays into big gains. In Week 1 of the preseason, the rookie turned a breaking slant into a 74-yard reception. Speed, elusiveness, and determination made it nearly impossible for defenders to wrangle the special teams ace. It’s clear he’s a game-changer the opposing team must account for.
Just ask the Buffalo Bills what happens when the rookie gets the ball in space.
Kaden Wetjen's preseason performance guaranteed a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster
An explosive 45-yard punt return in the fourth quarter was exactly what Pittsburgh needed to see from their promising rookie. His decisions were electric, shifty, and decisive. Head coach Mike McCarthy couldn’t ignore the huge play.
“I was really happy to see the return unit get that,” he expressed to reporters. It was a hell of a return.”
The big play was the perfect response from an inexperienced player guilty of a few minor mishaps earlier in the preseason. He also had a few questionable moments against the Buffalo Bills when showcasing open-field abilities.
“He’s been under some criticism just for being a young guy, [on a] veteran team,” McCarthy expressed. McCarthy understands the criticism but continued to feed his rookie opportunities. Pittsburgh obviously drafted Wetjen to be a special teams star with offensive upside. He earned a big role in a short amount of time.
Duties as a special teams starter come with high expectations. I believe Wetjen has answered the call and passed with flying colors. He responded well to adversity and also excelled in his role. This preseason, Wetjen earned two touchdowns while averaging 10 yards per punt and 20 yards per kickoff return. His 86 receiving yards and 28.7 yards per catch are noteworthy and further solidify his ability to be a game-changer Pittsburgh can rely on.
Kaden Wetjen made the most of his first preseason as a professional. He’s shone when Pittsburgh utilized him on offense. But he also succeeded in his hallmark, making huge plays on special teams. Even with a few hiccups, it's hard for me to believe the Steelers will not keep the former Hawkeye close by for the upcoming campaign. He can change games with explosive plays. And that’s enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
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