Steelers Sleeper Has Biggest Opportunity Against Packers

It's been a surprising camp for one wideout, who heads into the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason opener with a massive opportunity.

Aug 03, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Smith (87) participates in a practice session at Training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to play real football, depending on who you ask. But for some players, this is as real as it gets, and there is no bigger opportunity for them. The Steelers have one in particular who has set himself up for a chance to do something surprising this season in Pittsburgh.

Brandon Smith wasn't a name anyone knew coming into training camp. The 27-year-old has been a practice squad player for almost all of his career, but walked into Pittsburgh and took first-team reps on the first day of training camp. Since then, he hasn't looked back.

Smith has found himself consistently working with Aaron Rodgers and company and will likely be one of the first wide receivers on the field against the Packers.

He's also made plays. Whether it's a diving touchdown from Drew Allar or making his way across the middle of the field to create an option for Rodgers, Smith is getting open and catching the football.

Now, he's heading into the preseason opener with a real chance to crack the 53-man roster.

How Smith Could Make the Team

Nothing is going to come easy for Smith. This isn't a player with any backing or experience worth keeping. Really, he's a breakout player who needs to play pretty much perfect in order to force his way onto the team.

But he can do that. If he proves that he's an offensive threat and a reliable one, Smith can show the Steelers that they need him. And they're one of the only rosters in the NFL that truly needs a bottom of the depth chart wideout.

Right now, Ben Skowronek and Kaden Wetjen will round out the Steelers' wide receiver room. Neither is a true offensive weapon, and Wetjen doesn't have almost any experience at the position.

The team could use another wide receiver who contributes to the offense, just in case something happens to one of their starters. Smith could probably be snuck onto the practice squad to fill that role, but if he plays himself onto a team anywhere in the NFL, Pittsburgh will be forced to keep him.

So, the next three weeks are about putting on a show for the entire league, not just the Steelers. Smith's opportunity is a big one. So big that, if he keeps pulling off the unthinkable, he's going to end up on the 53-man team this season.

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