The start of August marks the beginning of training camp in the NFL. At Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 training camp looks different. New head coach (and Pittsburgh native) Mike McCarthy brings a whole new staff and personal camp wrinkles to the team.
“Tempered” is how McCarthy described this year’s training camp, harkening back to the city’s industrial roots and the steelmaking process, according to Brook Pryor from ESPN.
“More than talented… More than tough… Tempered,” read the shirts the Steelers gave to staff members.
The first week of training camp has brought a lot of optimism for Steelers fans. The usual stars like T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf and Alex Highsmith have handled their business while learning the new schemes. Other players needing to prove themselves have shined in these early practices.
While it is only August, the excitement for this group is palpable and somewhat refreshing.
Out of this year’s Steelers roster, these are the players that have stood out so far in training camp.
DB Asante Samuel Jr.
The former Chargers safety joined the Steelers in November after being medically cleared after spinal fluid surgery in April. Re-signing with the team before free agency, Samuel Jr. is practicing with a chip on his shoulder and a desire to play meaningful snaps on the defense.
Samuel Jr. has been all over the field on his defensive reps, creating pass breakups and disrupting the offense’s rhythm. These reps are especially valuable for Samuel Jr. since star corner Joey Porter Jr. is currently sidelined with an injury amid contract negotiations.
For Samuel Jr., this first week has been about overcoming adversity and getting back into a starting role after finally being healthy and doing his usual offseason routines.
“I feel stronger, quicker, faster and more explosive because I had a full offseason to train,” Samuel Jr. told Ray Fittipaldo with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I had my entire offseason regimen that I usually do. I feel like how I should feel.”
Samuel Jr. has maximized his opportunities so far. He looks poised to be a crucial piece in DC Patrick Graham’s scheme.
QB Drew Allar
The third-round selection out of Penn State is turning heads while competing for the backup quarterback job against veteran Mason Rudolph and former Buckeye Will Howard. Already, though, fans have seen the effects of McCarthy’s famous “QB school” on Allar.
In videos published online of Allar’s plays, his footwork and throwing motion look vastly improved compared to his Nittany Lion days. Most of all, McCarthy’s passer drills have helped Allar develop a strong approach to his practice reps.
“It definitely makes you detail-oriented and have a purpose behind every rep,” said Allar in a video shared by Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh. ”
With better mechanics, good stature, promising arm talent and a meticulous mindset, Allar could certainly contend for the starting job in 2027 and put an end to the Steelers’ stint in quarterback purgatory.
WR Roman Wilson
Few players were in need of a good start to camp more than Roman Wilson. The third-year wideout has earned Aaron Rodgers‘ trust and is getting lots of targets. Rodgers praised Wilson’s growth on the Pat McAfee Show, in particular focusing on what he called Wilson’s excellent trait: speed.
“He is legitimately one of the fastest guys on the field at all times, if not the fastest. So when he uses that speed, he’s dangerous,” said Rodgers.
From contested catches to deep bombs, Wilson is making plays with the bounty of throws coming his way this camp. Wilson’s place in the team was questioned entering the season, but it looks like he will be in prime position to contribute as a reliable third (maybe even second) option for Rodgers.
Other Bright Spots
While the players above have garnered the most talk throughout camp so far, a couple of other players are making noise.
Former Packers tight end Robert Tonyan has carved out a role as a safety valve for both Howard and Allar. This, accompanied by high praise from McCarthy and an existing rapport with Rodgers, is a good sign for Tonyan’s chances at a roster spot behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Defensive end Keeanu Benton has performed greatly while playing from different spots in the defensive front. Benton is currently in extension talks but remains focused on preparing and learning the new playbook, according to SteelersNow beat writer Alan Saunders. A pay raise will surely arrive soon.
First-round rookie tackle Max Iheanachor is quickly turning heads in camp with impressive feats. Most notably, Iheanachor won consecutive one-on-one reps versus Watt, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer. If OL coach James Campen can hash out the rookie’s hand usage, he might be ready to start by Week 1.
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