Steelers latest depth chart suggests Kaden Wetjen's role is about to grow

There are multiple methods NFL franchises use to improve rosters between seasons. Development of younger players during training camp and OTAs is one of the oldest tricks in the book. The Pittsburgh Steelers understand this firsthand. They’ve utilized off-season sessions and preseason games to prioritize player development. 

It’s resulted in promising performances from X-Factors like Kaden Wetjen. And according to the recent depth chart, we will see more of the Swiss Army knife than originally intended. 

Currently, Pittsburgh lists the 2026 fourth-round selection as the starting punt and kick returner entering Week 2 of the preseason. But does the news surprise us? Wetjen is known for his special teams abilities and is infamous for making opposing teams pay when the ball touches his hands. Just take a look at his collegiate accolades. 

In three seasons with the Iowa Blackhawks, Wetjen was honored twice as a first-team All-American in the Big Ten (2024, 2025). He also averaged 17.7 yards per punt return, ranking No.1 in Big Ten History. In 2025, he scored four special teams touchdowns and earned the Jet Award as the Nation's top return man for a second consecutive season. 

That’s a big deal. And it’s also not the only way he can impact games. 

In fact, Wetjen is also listed as Pittsburgh’s second-team slot wide receiver behind Roman Wilson. Now that’s a pleasant surprise. Especially considering his role with Iowa did not require much of an offensive presence. 

Last season, he tallied 20 receptions, 151 receiving yards, and one touchdown. It’s a short sample size if the X-factor is willing to use his explosive abilities to stretch the field. 

And that is exactly what Mike McCarthy plans to do. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense could benefit from Kaden Wetjen receiving a WR promotion

We witnessed his potential sporadically during Week 1 of the Preseason against the Green Bay Packers. Wetjen hauled in a 74-yard reception from Drew Allar. A simple short post route turned an average gain into a highlight. Explosiveness, quickness, and elusiveness made it easy for the Pittsburgh rookie to navigate around defenders while earning a massive gain. He then finished off the drive with a five-yard touchdown reception. 

It was cinema. The snippet was the begining of a brewing origin story.  

Mike McCarthy’s offense thrives when playmakers have the football. Timing concepts, route combinations, and unique formations help targets find separation. Yards after the catch are paramount. Wetjen demonstrated his abilities in the open field. I say give him more reps and see what happens. 

Roman Wilson is still working to prove himself as Aaron Rodgers’ third option. If Wetjen’s preseason performances are hard to ignore, it will make the Week 1 depth chart more than interesting. 

Stacking impressive performances is a sure-fire way to secure a role on an NFL roster. The issue for most players is earning meaningful reps. But minutes will not be an issue for Pittsburgh’s draft steal. He’s fulfilling his destiny as a special teams ace. But with more offensive snaps, I believe Kaden Wetjen will make a larger lasting impression. 

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