The Pittsburgh Steelers officially kicked off Phase 3 of their 2026 offseason program on May 18, taking the field for their first OTA practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. For a team that underwent significant roster turnover this spring -- particularly on the offensive side of the ball -- these early workouts represent the first real opportunity to see how the pieces fit together before training camp arrives in late July.
Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff ran a spirited but controlled session that lasted roughly two hours. Players wore helmets and shorts, per NFL rules governing Organized Team Activities, but the intensity level suggested this group understands the stakes. With new offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham implementing their systems, every rep matters.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Day 1 of Steelers OTAs.
A Completely Revamped Offensive Line Takes Shape
The most closely watched position group on the field Tuesday was undoubtedly the offensive line. After years of instability and underperformance, general manager Omar Khan made the offensive front a priority this offseason, and the results were on full display.
The first-team offensive line featured Broderick Jones at left tackle, Troy Fautanu at right tackle, Zach Frazier at center, Mason McCormick at left guard, and Sataoa Laumea at right guard. That grouping -- three rookies from the 2025 draft class plus second-year guard McCormick and tackle Jones -- represents a massive infusion of youth and athleticism compared to last season's veteran-heavy unit.
Jones, taken 14th overall in 2024, looked noticeably more comfortable on the left side after spending much of his first two seasons shuffling between left and right tackle. His footwork during 1-on-1 pass rush drills was crisp, and he showed improved patience in his kick slide. Fautanu, the team's first-round pick last year, worked exclusively at right tackle, a position he played extensively at Washington. His quick hands and ability to mirror defenders stood out during individual drills.
Frazier, entering his second season as the starting center, appears to have taken on a leadership role. He was frequently seen communicating with McCarthy and the offensive line coach between reps, pointing out defensive alignments and adjusting protection calls. For a second-year player, his command of the huddle was impressive.
The most intriguing development might be Laumea at right guard. A 2025 sixth-round pick who spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad, Laumea has reportedly added significant upper-body strength in the offseason. He held his own against defensive tackle Keeanu Benton during inside run drills, which did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff.
It is important to remember that this is May football -- pads are not yet permitted, and full-contact evaluation won't begin until training camp. But the early returns on this offensive line are encouraging. If this group can stay healthy, the Steelers may finally have the foundation they have been searching for since Maurkice Pouncey's retirement.
New-Look Receiving Corps Shows Early Chemistry
The Steelers' overhaul of their wide receiver room was another major storyline entering the spring. With DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. now in the fold alongside returning slot receiver Roman Wilson, quarterback Will Howard has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.
During 7-on-7 work, Howard targeted Metcalf early and often. The two connected on a deep out route that drew cheers from teammates, with Metcalf using his trademark combination of size and speed to separate from cornerback Joey Porter Jr. on the play. Howard's ball placement on the throw was precise, hitting Metcalf in stride just before the sideline.
Pittman, known for his reliability over the middle, worked primarily from the slot and as an underneath option. On one play, he made a sliding catch on a designed quick slant, demonstrating the kind of sure-handedness that made him a 1,000-yard receiver in Indianapolis. The combination of Metcalf's vertical threat and Pittman's possession skills gives offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio flexibility to attack defenses at all three levels.
Roman Wilson, the team's third-round pick last year, appears poised for a Year 2 leap. He was used on jet sweeps and shallow crossers, showing the burst that made him a playmaker at Michigan. If Wilson can carve out a consistent role, the Steelers' three-receiver sets could be among the most dangerous in the AFC.
One name to watch: wide receiver Germie Bernard. The undrafted rookie from Alabama made several contested catches during team drills, including a leaping grab over the middle against safety DeShon Elliott. At 6-foot-3 with good ball skills, Bernard could push for a roster spot if he continues to impress.
Quarterback Competition: Howard Takes First-Team Reps
Will Howard, the former Ohio State star who signed with Pittsburgh this offseason, took every snap with the first-team offense during Tuesday's practice. His arm strength was evident, particularly on deep passes, and he showed good pocket awareness while working behind a young offensive line.
However, it was not a flawless day. Howard appeared to force a pass into double coverage intended for tight end Pat Freiermuth that linebacker Patrick Queen nearly intercepted. He also overthrew a wide-open Metcalf on what should have been a touchdown in red-zone drills, sailing the ball just beyond the receiver's outstretched hands.
Mason Rudolph, the veteran backup, worked with the second team and looked steady if unspectacular. Rudolph is not going to wow anyone with arm talent, but his experience in the system -- he has been with the organization on and off since 2018 -- could make him a valuable security blanket if Howard struggles.
The third quarterback on the roster, Drew Allar, took scout-team reps and showed a live arm. The Penn State product is likely a developmental project, but his physical tools are intriguing. Do not be surprised if Allar gets increased reps during training camp as the coaching staff evaluates his readiness.
Key Veterans Absent: What It Means
As is common across the NFL during voluntary OTAs, several veteran starters were not present for Tuesday's practice. The most notable absences included defensive end Cam Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
While their absence is notable, it should not be interpreted as a sign of discontent or contract disputes. All four players have established themselves as team leaders and have nothing to prove during spring workouts. McCarthy indicated after practice that he had communicated with each player and expects them to be present for mandatory minicamp in June.
"I've had great conversations with all those guys," McCarthy said. "They're working hard on their own, staying in shape. When we get to mandatory, they'll be here ready to go."
The absence of Heyward and Watt does mean that younger defensive players received extended reps. Second-year defensive end Derrick Harmon worked with the first-team defense alongside Keeanu Benton, while outside linebacker Jack Sawyer -- a 2025 draft pick -- saw time on the edge opposite Alex Highsmith. Sawyer flashed a pass-rush move that got him past backup tackle Dylan Cook cleanly, generating pressure on Rudolph.
Defensive Backfield Depth on Display
With Ramsey absent, the Steelers used a starting cornerback duo of Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean, both of whom played well. Porter's aforementioned rep against Metcalf was a highlight, even if Metcalf ultimately won the route. Dean, a physical press-corner, looked sticky in coverage against Pittman during a red-zone period.
Safety Sebastian Castro, a rookie from Iowa, turned heads by diagnosing a screen pass to running back Jaylen Warren and filling the alley immediately. Castro's football IQ was a major selling point coming out of college, and it showed Tuesday. He worked primarily with the second-team defense behind starters Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott but seems poised to push for a nickel role.
Rookie cornerback Daylen Everette also made an impression, breaking up a pass intended for Ben Skowronek during 7-on-7. The Steelers have invested heavily in their secondary this offseason, and the competition for roster spots at cornerback will be fierce.
Running Back Rotation and Special Teams Notes
The running back group, headlined by Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, looked sharp during position drills. Dowdle, who signed with Pittsburgh after a productive 2025 season with Dallas, showed excellent burst through the hole during inside runs. Warren continued to prove why he is one of the league's most underrated pass-catching backs, hauling in a wheel route out of the backfield for a gain of approximately 30 yards during team drills.
Fullback Eli Heidenreich, an undrafted rookie, saw work with the third-team offense and made a nice cut block in pass protection. He is a long shot to make the roster but could carve out a practice squad role.
Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman's units received plenty of work. Kicker Chris Boswell was perfect on field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder that cleared the crossbar with plenty of distance. Punter Cameron Johnston boomed several punts with impressive hang time. Long snapper Cal Adomitis is competing with Christian Kuntz for the starting job, and both looked sharp.
What It All Means
One OTA practice does not define a season, but Tuesday's session provided a tantalizing glimpse of what this 2026 Steelers team could become. The offensive line is young and athletic. The receiving corps is deep and versatile. The defense, even without several stars, has the kind of depth that contending teams require.
The biggest question remains quarterback play. Will Howard has the arm talent and the weapons to succeed. But he needs to prove he can consistently deliver in the clutch, something he struggled with at times during his college career. If he can put it all together, the Steelers have the pieces to compete for an AFC North title.
For now, McCarthy is preaching patience.
"We're not trying to win a championship in May," he said. "We're building habits. We're installing systems. We're getting to know each other. The results will come if we do the work every single day."
The next OTA practice is scheduled for Thursday. Expect continued competition at several key positions as the Steelers push toward training camp.