The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on May 9 the signing of receiver Kaden Wetjen, their fourth-round pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft, to a four-year contract. Wetjen was selected with the 121st overall pick and played college football at Iowa.
Wetjen appeared in 40 games for Iowa, starting seven times. Over three seasons, he recorded 23 receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown. He also contributed as a punt returner with a total of 954 return yards, averaging 17.7 yards per return and scoring four touchdowns. Additionally, he returned 56 kickoffs for a total of 1,538 yards and two touchdowns with an average of 27.5 yards per return.
Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said, “He plays the game fearlessly, but he plays it smart.” Crossman added: “Our top rated dual return player, and in this new dynamic kickoff age of the National Football League, to have a guy that’s in our opinion very good at both, we think it’s going to be a major addition and pay dividends for the club.”
Wetjen earned consensus All-American honors as a returner in 2025 from several organizations including Walter Camp and USA Today. He was also named Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year in both his final two seasons at Iowa—the first player to win it twice since its creation.
“Obviously there seems to be a good consensus that he was a high-level player that can help the club to victories,” said Crossman. “The only thing that any of us are worried about is hanging W’s. So, we think this is a player that can help us do that.” Crossman also praised Wetjen’s decision-making skills: “Number one, he makes great decisions, good ball security… he’s not going to make the cuts until he has to… So, he really brings a really good skill set in the return game… those vertical one cut runners have been very successful over the last couple of years and we think that’s what he’ll bring to the Steelers.”
The Steelers are recognized as one of professional football’s most successful franchises with six Super Bowl championships according to their official website. The team is affiliated with the National Football League as a member franchise according to their official website.
