The Pittsburgh Steelers enter training camp with plenty of questions, position battles, and an entirely new coaching staff. Head coach Mike McCarthy will usher in a new era of Steelers football when the team reports to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Several roster battles will feature veterans facing uphill climbs to secure their spots. At the same time, a number of rookies impressed during mandatory minicamp, potentially putting some established players on the roster bubble. Could those circumstances lead to a trade?
A few veterans enter training camp with uncertain futures that could be shaped by a single practice rep, a preseason snap, or a key decision on the field. Here are three veterans the Steelers could trade during training camp.
Kaleb Johnson
Although McCarthy has emphasized that everyone starts with a clean slate, Kaleb Johnson could still find himself on the outside looking in. The Steelers signed Jaylen Warren to an extension last year, added Rico Dowdle this offseason, and drafted intriguing prospect Eli Heidenreich. Will Pittsburgh keep four running backs? It's possible, but it doesn't seem like the most likely outcome.
Johnson could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. The previous coaching staff gave him limited opportunities, and his least memorable moment came on a costly kick-return mistake in Week 2. Still, the Steelers invested a third-round pick in Johnson because they believed he could become a long-term fit in Arthur Smith's offensive system. If another team still values that upside, Pittsburgh could explore a trade.
Roman Wilson
Roman Wilson was one of the biggest mysteries in the Steelers' receiver room in 2025. After an injury-plagued rookie season, he appeared poised to earn a larger role. Instead, his opportunities remained surprisingly limited despite playing in a wide receiver room that lacked proven depth.
Part of that may have stemmed from trust issues—or a lack thereof—with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Another factor could have been Wilson's fit within Smith's offense, which heavily featured tight ends. Like Johnson, Wilson could benefit from a fresh start in 2026. He possesses traits that make him an intriguing slot receiver, but the Steelers also drafted two wide receivers and acquired another via trade this offseason. That increased competition could make Wilson expendable.
Mason Rudolph
With Will Howard receiving elevated reps during mandatory minicamp and the Steelers selecting Drew Allar in the third round, Mason Rudolph increasingly looks like the odd man out. While Howard's performance in training camp could alter the situation, Rudolph still holds value as a potential trade asset.
Rudolph has made multiple starts throughout his Steelers career, including appearances in the postseason. That experience could appeal to teams searching for quarterback depth before the regular season.
He likely wouldn't command significant draft compensation, but the Steelers would probably welcome a late Day 3 pick if they decide to move him after the preseason. At the moment, there doesn't appear to be much trade interest in Rudolph. However, a strong preseason performance, or an injury elsewhere around the league, could quickly change that.
