Steel City Undergrounds presents “Fan Friday” – an offseason collection of articles addressing Pittsburgh Steelers news, team updates, player interviews, performances and injury reports to keep Steelers Nation on the pulse of the black and gold.
The offseason training activities are a wrap and the Pittsburgh Steelers will then break until July 28 when they report for training camp. In the final days of OTAs, the Steelers had some roster adjustments and other fanworthy events occur. We break the info down for Steelers Nation.
Additions and subtractions in player personnel
The Steelers released veteran wide receiver Brandon Johnson on Tuesday and claimed punter Aidan Laros off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson was then signed by the Denver Broncos.
The team also signed receiver Joaquin Davis, defensive back Daryl Porter, and subsequently released long snapper Cal Adomitis and offensive lineman Aiden Williams.
Player personnel moves are nothing new during the run-up to training camp. Even during camp, turnover is a part of the process. Until the roster is ironed out ahead of the season, stay tuned to updates from us here and on our social media accounts.
Wilson absent despite being on bubble
Receiver Roman Wilson who has been working throughout the spring sessions to become a bigger part of the team was absent from OTAs on Thursday. Already considered to be on the bubble to remain on the roster, the absence was more of an observation rather than a need to panic.
Since being selected by the Steelers, Wilson has just 12 catches. With Pittsburgh currently testing receivers behind D.K. Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr, and Germie Bernard, Wilson is fighting an uphill battle to find a spot where he will be utilized more.
Drew Allar on having Aaron Rodgers as a mentor pic.twitter.com/yrT9Fe4OQT
— 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 (@steelcityundrgr) June 12, 2026
Embracing change on defense
During Mike Tomlin’s tenure as head coach, the Steelers finished in the top 5 of scoring defenses in the NFL four times in his first five seasons, but did so just twice more (2019 and 2020).
With Patrick Graham as the new defensive coordinator under head coach Mike McCarthy, the pressure is on to make changes – quickly. Graham utilizes interchanging personnel and versatility, which has already been witnessed during OTAs. T.J. Watt, who typically has played off the edge, has been seen moving around. He isn’t alone. Nick Herbig said there is some “special sauce” involved in Graham’s method.
When asked about changes, veteran defensive end Cameron Heyward said,”You embrace the change… There are things that you want to say the same, but you have to be willing to put your ego aside and do what’s best for the group.”
“I’m not going to try to venture too far off from what this city has been known for,” Graham said, understanding the historical significance of defense in Pittsburgh. “Earning our place in that tradition, we’ve got to play hard-nosed, physical football. We have to have an intimidating play style.”
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No doubt that injuries plagued the Steelers secondary last season but you also can’t ignored the additions to this defense. Dean and Brisker will be HUGE additions while getting Elliott back is also a major upgrade. pic.twitter.com/ldqmylu33L
— 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 (@steelcityundrgr) June 9, 2026