4 Steelers Could Change Pittsburgh's Entire Camp Outlook This Summer

The Pittsburgh Steelers have wrapped up mandatory minicamp and will soon report to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for training camp. Several key questions still surround the roster as the organization enters a new era under head coach Mike McCarthy.

The Steelers underwent significant changes this offseason, particularly on the coaching staff, and McCarthy now faces the task of preparing the team to compete immediately. Before that can happen, however, Pittsburgh must address a few lingering concerns. General manager Omar Khan may need to make another offseason trade, or the team could rely on internal development to fill some of its biggest holes.

Several players on the roster have an opportunity to elevate their position groups and potentially reshape the outlook of the entire team heading into the season.

Max Iheanachor

Although Dylan Cook currently appears to be the favorite to start at right tackle in Week 1, it would not be shocking if Max Iheanachor eventually pushes for the job.

Cook recently praised his teammate and highlighted some traits that made Iheanachor such an intriguing prospect. "He's primed. He's ready," Cook said. "There are a couple of things he can work on, but he's a quick learner and he's eager to learn. He's going to be a really good player."

Iheanachor remains a raw talent, but his upside is undeniable. Cook's endorsement carries weight, especially considering the two are effectively competing for the same role. While Iheanachor may not be ready to claim the starting job immediately, rapid development could significantly improve the outlook at offensive tackle.

Robert Spears-Jennings

Safety remains a position worth monitoring. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has described Jalen Ramsey as a chess piece within the defense, and locking him into a full-time free safety role could limit his versatility. The Steelers need someone to emerge at free safety, and they may already have an answer on the roster.

Seventh-round rookie Robert Spears-Jennings has impressed throughout the offseason and has begun drawing attention from Steelers insiders. Most notably, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic recently praised the rookie and predicted he would earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

"Rookie safety Robert Spears-Jennings has looked good, and I think they'll keep him." DeFabo said.

At the moment, Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, and Jaquan Brisker appear to be the only safeties with secure roster spots. Spears-Jennings will have to outperform veterans and fellow young defensive backs to carve out a role, but he has already positioned himself firmly in the conversation.

Sebastian Castro

One of the players competing alongside Spears-Jennings is Sebastian Castro. The former Iowa standout joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent and quickly made an impression. During joint practices, he impressed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enough for them to sign him off Pittsburgh's practice squad during the regular season.

Now back with the Steelers, Castro has another opportunity to establish himself. He could compete not only for snaps at free safety but also in the slot. Throughout the pre-draft process, evaluators viewed him as a safety-slot corner hybrid, and that versatility could work in his favor.

DeFabo also mentioned Castro as a player to watch, noting that he received first-team reps during offseason work last year.

Roman Wilson

Roman Wilson could emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Steelers' coaching change. While Wilson could become a trade candidate during the preseason, he may be a much better fit in McCarthy's offense than he was in the previous system. The rise of Germie Bernard should create one of the most competitive position battles of training camp, but Wilson still has a significant opportunity in front of him.

If he thrives under the new coaching staff, the Steelers' wide receiver room could suddenly look much deeper and more dynamic than it has in recent years.

Wilson struggled to gain traction with the previous coaching staff, but McCarthy has made it clear that every player will start with a clean slate. Rather than needing a fresh start elsewhere, Wilson may find exactly that in Pittsburgh under a new regime.

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM.