The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the early portion of offseason workouts, with mandatory minicamp and training camp still down the road. They just finished the first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), with still two blocks of practice remaining. OTAs only mean so much, as the players are in just helmets and shorts, but it's a great time for them to develop chemistry. This is especially true for a position group like the wide receivers, who are entering a new scheme. OTAs will be a good time for them to get their depth right and the timing down perfectly before the pads come on in late July.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard catches a pass during day one of OTAs on May 18, 2026.
Additions like Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard take up most of the spotlight. Pittman, a proven star in the NFL, paired with DK Metcalf, seemed highly unlikely a year ago. However, with the struggles at the position, Omar Khan decided enough is enough.
Bernard was a second-round pick out of Alabama and will bring consistency and versatility. One wide receiver that Steeler Nation has seemingly overlooked is Brandon Johnson. Johnson suffered a foot injury in the team's 2025 preseason finale, which led to his release, but now he's back in 2026 and looking to make the team again.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson is working through drills during OTAs on May 20, 2026.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently wrote an article about Johnson and his bloodline, noting that the wide receiver's father, Charles Johnson, had an impressive career in MLB. Now, Brandon Johnson is looking to make the Steelers once again. He hasn't played in an NFL game since the 2024 season, which was his first stint in the Steel City. He hopes to change that in 2026, no matter what role he plays.
“I just try to prove my value, prove I can help this team in any way possible — whatever that is, special teams, offense," Brandon Johnson told Fittipaldo. "I'll snap the ball if they want me to."
Johnson's best season was in 2023, when he racked up 284 yards and caught four touchdowns. His best work seems to be in the red zone, where he can really use that 6'2" frame to box out defenders. To make the Steelers, he'd likely have to beat out Roman Wilson, as Ben Skowronek brings too much special teams value to be let go. Wilson has been getting first-team reps on offense, but with it being so early in the offseason program, a lot can change.
Aaron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers forced a dropped punt by the Cleveland Browns late in the fourth quarter in 2024.
There could also be a role on special teams for the former Denver Bronco. The Steelers could certainly use a gunner on punt; someone who can get to the return man. He could also play on kick return, not as a return man, but perhaps as a blocker. With his speed and size, Johnson could also carve out a role on kickoff, running by blockers, and making the tackle.
Steelers Johnson Will Play Whatever He Has To
Johnson hasn't played much special teams in his short career; he's returned just one punt in 2022. With the team drafting Kaden Wetjen, that likely eliminates any return-man role for the veteran. He will have to learn how to tackle, and the team won't really know where he's at in that aspect until training camp. Perhaps Johnson could make the team in an offensive role rather than on special teams, given the lack of wide receiver depth.
The franchise has shown no confidence in Wilson over the past two seasons. His spot on the roster could be put in jeopardy if Johnson makes a push. The former undrafted free agent could make a nice red-zone target, given his size. We will have to see more in the coming weeks, with minicamp around the corner and training camp still months away. One thing is for certain: Johnson will be making a huge push to make the team this season, and will do so no matter the cost.
#SteelerNation