DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. lining up together during OTAs on May 20 on the South Side.
Of all the positions that needed to be addressed this offseason, wide receiver was among the highest priorities. And after addressing it in both free agency and the draft, wide receiver is now much more fortified, putting the team in a better position to succeed.
"I think we were close last year. I think we added some good pieces," Aaron Rodgers said on Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I felt like we needed a lineman probably at some point, drafted a guy in the first round that I like. I thought we needed somebody who could work in the slot. Obviously, Germie [Bernard], being picked there, is a guy they think can do it. Bringing in [Michael] Pittman was obviously a good addition. ... A lot of good pieces added to the mix."
For two straight seasons, the Steelers' No. 1 receiver was out of the lineup during important games down the stretch, revealing the severe lack of depth. When DK Metcalf was suspended for the final two games of the 2025 season, the Steelers entered a pivotal matchup against the Browns -- one that would have clinched the division -- with Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Scotty Miller as their primary receivers. To nobody's surprise, the offense produced only six points and Pat Freiermuth was the team's leading receiver with 63 yards.
Now, the Steelers have a trio of Metcalf, Pittman and Bernard projected to be atop the depth chart, along with an offensive head coach that has a wealth of experience in weaponizing receivers of all kinds.
"It just excites me just having an offensive-minded head coach," Metcalf said Wednesday. "I've always had defensive-minded head coaches. So, there's something different."
While everything looks good on paper, there's work to be done to get the most out of this group. Pittman has already taken initiative, having a throwing session with Rodgers before the quarterback decided to come back for his 22nd and final NFL season. McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio have also done everything in their collective power to throw as much at Bernard as possible, to make sure the rookie is up to the task of contributing right away.
"Coming in and knowing what to do and being challenged is something I take wholeheartedly because that means that they trust me," Bernard said Wednesday. "They want me to have some type of role within the team. I'm making sure I'm doing everything that I can to learn everything and learn from everybody and execute to my best ability."
It's one thing for both Metcalf and Pittman to be here. Everyone knows what to expect from those two. There's plenty of data and film to show it. But, Bernard could be the potential game-changer in this group. Not that he'll come in and outplay either Metcalf or Pittman, but give the offense a versatile weapon that can potentially open up space for the two veterans to be in a great position to shred defenses. And of course, that yards-after-catch Bernard flashed at Alabama could be a great complement to what Metcalf and Pittman do.
On top of it all, Bernard is also impressing all the right people so far, both at rookie minicamp and through the first week of OTAs.
"Football comes easy to him," McCarthy said at rookie minicamp. "His understanding is very high. Doesn't blink. I love his demeanor. You can see why his versatility in college definitely carries over. I think he's been an excellent fit for us."
"Just how he is as a person," Metcalf said Wednesday of Bernard. "He's always willing to learn. Always says "yes, sir" and just keeps pushing. From a guy of his stature coming into the league, that's all you can ask for."
It's still May, so there's no point in making any bold predictions about what this offense can do. However, it sure appears that everything is off to as good of a start as any could hope.
THE ASYLUM
New-look receiver room off to good start
GREG MACAFEE / DKPS
DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. lining up together during OTAs on May 20 on the South Side.
Of all the positions that needed to be addressed this offseason, wide receiver was among the highest priorities. And after addressing it in both free agency and the draft, wide receiver is now much more fortified, putting the team in a better position to succeed.
"I think we were close last year. I think we added some good pieces," Aaron Rodgers said on Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I felt like we needed a lineman probably at some point, drafted a guy in the first round that I like. I thought we needed somebody who could work in the slot. Obviously, Germie [Bernard], being picked there, is a guy they think can do it. Bringing in [Michael] Pittman was obviously a good addition. ... A lot of good pieces added to the mix."
For two straight seasons, the Steelers' No. 1 receiver was out of the lineup during important games down the stretch, revealing the severe lack of depth. When DK Metcalf was suspended for the final two games of the 2025 season, the Steelers entered a pivotal matchup against the Browns -- one that would have clinched the division -- with Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Scotty Miller as their primary receivers. To nobody's surprise, the offense produced only six points and Pat Freiermuth was the team's leading receiver with 63 yards.
Now, the Steelers have a trio of Metcalf, Pittman and Bernard projected to be atop the depth chart, along with an offensive head coach that has a wealth of experience in weaponizing receivers of all kinds.
"It just excites me just having an offensive-minded head coach," Metcalf said Wednesday. "I've always had defensive-minded head coaches. So, there's something different."
While everything looks good on paper, there's work to be done to get the most out of this group. Pittman has already taken initiative, having a throwing session with Rodgers before the quarterback decided to come back for his 22nd and final NFL season. McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio have also done everything in their collective power to throw as much at Bernard as possible, to make sure the rookie is up to the task of contributing right away.
"Coming in and knowing what to do and being challenged is something I take wholeheartedly because that means that they trust me," Bernard said Wednesday. "They want me to have some type of role within the team. I'm making sure I'm doing everything that I can to learn everything and learn from everybody and execute to my best ability."
It's one thing for both Metcalf and Pittman to be here. Everyone knows what to expect from those two. There's plenty of data and film to show it. But, Bernard could be the potential game-changer in this group. Not that he'll come in and outplay either Metcalf or Pittman, but give the offense a versatile weapon that can potentially open up space for the two veterans to be in a great position to shred defenses. And of course, that yards-after-catch Bernard flashed at Alabama could be a great complement to what Metcalf and Pittman do.
On top of it all, Bernard is also impressing all the right people so far, both at rookie minicamp and through the first week of OTAs.
"Football comes easy to him," McCarthy said at rookie minicamp. "His understanding is very high. Doesn't blink. I love his demeanor. You can see why his versatility in college definitely carries over. I think he's been an excellent fit for us."
"Just how he is as a person," Metcalf said Wednesday of Bernard. "He's always willing to learn. Always says "yes, sir" and just keeps pushing. From a guy of his stature coming into the league, that's all you can ask for."
It's still May, so there's no point in making any bold predictions about what this offense can do. However, it sure appears that everything is off to as good of a start as any could hope.
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