Kaden Wetjen's Draft Surprise and Steelers' Preseason Debut Under Mike McCarthy

The Steelers opened their preseason with a 20–17 loss to the Packers at Acrisure Stadium on August 13, 2026. Backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar shared the spotlight in the game. The team selected Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, choosing him with the 121st overall pick. Wetjen, a wide receiver and return specialist who played at Iowa Western and Iowa, joined a franchise founded in 1933 that is the seventh-oldest in the NFL and the oldest in the AFC North. Mike McCarthy made his debut as head coach, overseeing the first four practices of training camp in Latrobe before the game. The preseason opener served as a national broadcast platform for evaluating young players and new additions. Wetjen’s selection was unexpected, and his role on special teams could shape roster decisions as the season approaches.

The August 13, 2026 preseason opener

The August 13, 2026 preseason opener saw the Pittsburgh Steelers open their schedule at Acrisure Stadium against the Green Bay Packers. It was the first public appearance of first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, who oversaw a game that featured backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar in prominent roles. The matchup served as a preseason preparation exercise for both teams and was broadcast nationally.

The Steelers selected Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, choosing him with the 121st overall pick. Wetjen, a wide receiver and return specialist who played college football at Iowa Western Reivers and the Iowa Hawkeyes, was taken on the final day of the draft with the team’s first selection that year. His selection came as a surprise to him; he had been at a golf course when he learned of the pick. Wetjen had been noted for his special teams contributions in college and was viewed as a potential contributor in that area at the professional level.

Mike McCarthy’s debut as head coach took place in this game, marking the start of his tenure with the franchise. The Steelers had been training in Latrobe in the weeks leading up to the opener, adapting to a new coaching staff and scheme. The team did not wear pads during the first four practices of camp under McCarthy, focusing instead on installation and evaluation.

The game itself functioned as an evaluation tool for young players and position battles, particularly at quarterback and on special teams. Backup quarterbacks Howard and Allar each saw action, with Allar connecting with Wetjen on a notable play during the contest. The performance provided early insight into how new additions and developmental players would fit into the offensive and special teams rotations as the team moved toward the regular season.

Kaden Wetjen's draft selection and college background

Kaden Wetjen’s draft selection and college background were among the most unexpected storylines of the Steelers’ 2026 preseason preparations. The team took the Iowa standout with the 121st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that surprised even Wetjen, who was reportedly on a golf course when the call came.

He played college football at two schools. At Iowa Western Reivers, he emerged as a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist, earning attention for his speed and hands. He later transferred to the University of Iowa, where he continued to develop as a route runner and special‑teams contributor. His dual‑school path highlighted a blend of junior‑college production and Big Ten exposure that caught the Steelers’ eye.

The pick was the Steelers’ first selection on the final day of the draft, underscoring a focus on immediate special‑teams help. Coach Mike McCarthy, in his debut with the franchise, used the game to evaluate young talent and new additions, with backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar sharing the spotlight. Allar connected with Wetjen on a notable play during the August 13, 2026, preseason opener at Acrisure Stadium, a national broadcast that served as a live test of the Steelers’ revised offensive concepts.

Wetjen’s background blends Iowa Western’s junior‑college success with Iowa’s Power Five competition, giving him a unique résumé that aligns with Pittsburgh’s need for a reliable return specialist. The selection reflects the team’s intent to strengthen its special‑teams unit while integrating a versatile receiver into the roster ahead of the regular season.

Mike McCarthy's preseason debut and coaching changes

Mike McCarthy took the helm of the Steelers for his first preseason appearance on August 13, 2026. The game against the Packers at Acrisure Stadium marked his debut as head coach and gave him a platform to introduce offensive changes before the regular season. McCarthy ran the offense without pads during the team’s initial four training‑camp practices in Latrobe, using the exhibition to test new schemes and gauge player readiness. The session was part of a broader evaluation of young talent, including the debut of rookie wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, who had been selected 121st overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Wetjen’s connection with backup quarterback Drew Allar produced a notable play that illustrated the new coaching staff’s intent to blend passing and return duties. The Steelers used the preseason opener to assess position battles and integrate new additions, while national television carried the game to a wide audience. McCarthy’s first public test thus combined on‑field play‑calling with the practical rollout of his offensive philosophy, setting the stage for the team’s preparation ahead of the regular season.

The preseason game dynamics and player evaluations

The Steelers and Packers used the August 13, 2026 preseason opener to evaluate young players and position battles, with Drew Allar connecting with Kaden Wetjen on a notable play during the nationally broadcast matchup.

The game at Acrisure Stadium marked the first public look at Pittsburgh’s revamped coaching staff under Mike McCarthy, who made his preseason debut. Backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Allar rotated with the second unit, while special teams units tested new return schemes. The Steelers’ offensive line showed early cohesion, though pads were not yet in use during the early training camp practices that preceded the game. Allar’s completion to Wetjen on a sideline route stood out as a highlight, showcasing chemistry between two players competing for expanded roles.

Pittsburgh selected Wetjen with the 121st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, rewarding his work as a return specialist at Iowa. Though he played at Iowa Western Reivers before transferring to the Hawkeyes, his draft stock rose after a strong senior season. The team viewed him as a potential immediate contributor on coverage units, though his offensive role remained uncertain. Coach McCarthy indicated during the broadcast that roster decisions would hinge on performance in the coming weeks.

The preseason opener served as a key evaluation tool for both teams, particularly in assessing depth at quarterback and wide receiver. With the regular season approaching, the Steelers’ front office and coaching staff used the game to stress-test new systems and identify players who could impact the 53-man roster. Wetjen’s unexpected draft selection added intrigue to the matchup, drawing attention from analysts tracking special teams transformations across the league.

Draft reaction and player background

Kaden Wetjen expressed surprise that the Pittsburgh Steelers chose him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Reports indicate he was on a golf course when the team made the selection. He played college football at Iowa Western Reivers and later for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Steelers selected him with the 121st overall pick, marking their first addition on the final day of the draft. Wetjen joins a franchise founded in 1933, which is the seventh-oldest in the NFL and the oldest in the AFC North.

The team drafted him as a wide receiver and return specialist, adding depth to their offensive and special teams units. His background at Iowa provided experience in both receiving and punt return roles. The selection came after the Steelers used their earlier picks on defensive and offensive linemen, leaving the wide receiver group relatively thin. Wetjen’s versatility was noted as a factor in the team’s decision.

His reaction highlighted the unpredictability of the draft, as he did not expect to hear his name called until later rounds. The choice reflected the Steelers’ focus on special teams contributions and developmental upside. The organization, known for its long history and consistent performance, welcomed the new addition as part of its ongoing effort to maintain competitiveness. Wetjen’s arrival coincided with the team’s preseason preparations under new head coach Mike McCarthy, who was making his debut in the August 13 game against the Packers. The preseason opener served as an early evaluation point for young players, including those recently drafted. Wetjen’s role on the field remained to be determined, but his presence added new options for the coaching staff. His integration into the roster would unfold over the coming weeks as the team finalized its preparations for the regular season.

Roster context and special teams impact

The Steelers added Kaden Wetjen as a special teams standout through their first pick on the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft, joining a roster that includes the team's long-standing history as the seventh-oldest franchise in the NFL and oldest in the AFC North, with the player expected to contribute to return units.

Wetjen, selected 121st overall in the fourth round of the 2026 draft, played college football at Iowa Western and Iowa. He is known for his work as a wide receiver and return specialist, and his selection came as a surprise to many given his late-round projection. The team highlighted his special teams versatility as a key factor in the decision, noting his experience covering kicks and returning punts.

His arrival marks a continued emphasis on depth in the return game, a unit the Steelers have relied on steadily over recent seasons. Wetjen will compete for a role alongside established contributors, with coaches noting his readiness to contribute immediately in that capacity.

The draft move underscored the team’s focus on adding talent with practical impact, particularly in situations that require precision and reliability. Wetjen’s collegiate production included consistent work on coverage units and return returns, traits that align with the Steelers’ operational priorities.

His addition comes as part of a broader effort to refresh the roster ahead of the upcoming season, with the front office prioritizing players who can contribute across multiple phases. Wetjen’s presence adds another layer to a unit already anchored by veterans, with his skill set expected to complement existing personnel.

The team has not yet confirmed specific roles but has indicated he will be given every opportunity to earn a spot based on performance during camp and preseason action. His background at Iowa provided exposure to high-level special teams schemes, which the organization believes translates directly to the professional game.

This selection reflects a continued pattern of identifying and developing players who can contribute beyond their primary position, a strategy the franchise has maintained throughout its history. Wetjen’s addition strengthens a group that has seen gradual evolution in recent years, with his skill set offering flexibility in dynamic game situations.

The move was executed on the final day of the draft, marking the first of several additions aimed at reinforcing depth across the roster. The front office emphasized that the pick was not made on reputation alone but based on film review and fit within the team’s operational framework.

Wetjen’s background includes time at two junior colleges and a major program, where he developed a reputation for consistency and reliability in high-pressure roles. His experience returning punts and kickoffs has been cited as a key asset in the team’s evaluation process.

The Steelers have not announced a timeline for when he will report to camp, but his integration into the squad will be closely monitored as the team finalizes its plans for the upcoming season. His presence adds depth to a unit that has seen both continuity and change in recent cycles.

The team’s approach reflects a broader philosophy of building through practical, situationally aware talent rather than relying solely on

Training camp preparation and timeline

The Steelers conducted their first four training camp practices under Mike McCarthy in Latrobe before the August 13, 2026 preseason opener against the Packers at Acrisure Stadium. The team trained in Latrobe while adapting to McCarthy’s new staff and using the preseason game to evaluate young players through position battles. These early practices occurred without pads and formed the basis of McCarthy’s debut as head coach.

The August 13, 2026 game marked the first live evaluation under McCarthy, who oversaw offensive adjustments during training camp. Backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar played central roles, with Allar connecting with rookie Kaden Wetjen for a key play. The preseason opener served as a national broadcast platform for both teams to assess roster depth and special teams dynamics.

Wetjen’s selection at 121st overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft surprised him, as he was at a golf course when the Steelers drafted him. The team viewed him as a special teams standout and return specialist from Iowa, having played college football for Iowa Western Reivers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. His addition addressed a need in the return game and provided depth for McCarthy’s system.

The Steelers’ preseason preparations included evaluating young players and position battles, with Wetjen’s role on special teams a key focus. The team’s history as the oldest franchise in the AFC and seventh-oldest in the NFL underscored the significance of integrating new talent. McCarthy’s debut coincided with a shift in offensive philosophy, though specific changes remained under wraps.

The preseason game against the Packers allowed the Steelers to test new additions and coaching staff strategies ahead of the regular season. Wetjen’s draft selection and college background highlighted the team’s focus on versatility and special teams impact.

Roster context showed the Steelers prioritizing special teams contributions through late-round picks like Wetjen. His Iowa experience and return specialist skills aligned with the team’s needs, though his exact role remained undefined.

Future implications centered on how Wetjen’s presence would affect the Steelers’ special teams unit and depth chart. The team’s preseason evaluation process under McCarthy set the stage for regular season decisions.

Wetjen’s draft surprise and preseason participation reflected the Steelers’ strategy of targeting undervalued talent with specific skill sets. His college career at Iowa and Iowa Western Reivers provided a foundation for his NFL transition.

The team’s training camp timeline and preseason opener served as a critical test for McCarthy’s system and roster decisions. The Steelers’ focus on position battles and player evaluation defined their preparation for the 2026 season.

Future implications and roster outlook

Kaden Wetjen's addition to the Steelers' roster provides depth at wide receiver and special teams, with his college experience at Iowa Western Reivers and Iowa Hawkeyes positioning him for potential contributions to the team's special teams units and future offensive schemes under head coach Mike McCarthy.

Wetjen’s selection adds a proven return specialist to a unit that has lacked consistent explosiveness in recent seasons. His background as a returner at Iowa gives him familiarity with high‑leverage moments that can shift field position in critical games. The coaching staff is likely to use him in situational packages that leverage his speed and route‑running versatility, especially on third‑down conversions and two‑minute drills. Because he entered the league as a fourth‑round pick, his contract carries modest financial risk while offering upside if he can translate his college production to the professional game.

The Steelers’ receiving corps will benefit from his presence as a developmental option behind established starters. Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated a willingness to experiment with multiple receiver sets, and Wetjen’s adaptability could support those experiments. Moreover, his experience on special teams may allow him to compete for a roster spot even if his offensive role remains limited early in the season.

Roster considerations also hinge on the team’s need for depth at the returner position. With several veterans competing for that role, Wetjen’s familiarity with return schemes could give him a head start in earning playing time. If he proves effective, he could become a regular contributor on both kickoff and punt returns, providing the Steelers with a field‑position advantage that complements their offensive strategy under McCarthy’s evolving system.

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