4 Biggest Darkhorses to Make Steelers' Roster Out of Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers will open training camp in July, and it promises to be one of the franchise's most anticipated camps in recent memory. For the first time in nearly two decades, head coach Mike Tomlin will not lead the Black and Gold. Instead, Mike McCarthy returns to his hometown to usher in a new era of Steelers football. While the coaching staff has changed, one thing remains the same: fierce competition for roster spots. Several current Steelers find themselves on the roster bubble after the team added fresh talent through both free agency and the NFL Draft. Still, no player should be counted out. Just nine years ago, an underdog like Mike Hilton fought his way onto the roster and eventually became a key contributor.

The Steelers will have several position battles throughout training camp, not only for starting jobs but also for depth roles, special teams assignments, and practice squad spots. Here are four dark-horse roster bubble candidates to watch this summer.

Sebastian Castro

Sebastian Castro joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa last season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers later signed him off Pittsburgh's practice squad during the regular season, but he eventually returned to the organization.

Safety depth remains one of the more unsettled areas on the roster, creating an opportunity for Castro. He projects as a versatile safety/slot corner hybrid at the NFL level. While he is unlikely to compete for a starting role, he could carve out a valuable spot as a depth defender.

Castro also brings special teams experience, which could strengthen his case. After the Steelers selected Robert Spears-Jennings in the draft, the battle for reserve defensive back spots could become one of the most competitive camp storylines.

KJ Henry

Since entering the league as a 2023 draft pick, KJ Henry has struggled to find a long-term home. However, he possesses the physical traits and pedigree that NFL scouts covet in an edge defender and 4-3 defensive end. In limited opportunities, he has also flashed intriguing potential.

With T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and rookie Jack Sawyer headlining the edge rotation, Pittsburgh appears well-stocked at the position. However, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has built a reputation for creatively deploying defenders in multiple roles.

Graham consistently maximizes the talent available to him, and Henry's versatility could help him earn a roster spot, or at least secure a place on the practice squad.

Donte Kent

Injuries held back Donte Kent throughout his rookie season and prevented him from fully showcasing his abilities. Still, his versatility remains intriguing. He can play both outside cornerback and in the slot, giving the Steelers valuable flexibility in the secondary.

While Kent may face long odds to make the initial 53-man roster, he appears to be a strong candidate for the practice squad. His experience as both a kick and punt returner also gives him an edge over many other fringe defensive backs competing for roster spots.

Ben Skowronek

Ben Skowronek faces perhaps the steepest climb of any player on this list. The Steelers not only traded for Michael Pittman Jr., but also drafted Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen. Unless the team unexpectedly moves on from Roman Wilson, a scenario that appears unlikely, Skowronek could find himself on the outside looking in.

Still, he has a few factors working in his favor. Aaron Rodgers values players he trusts, and he has developed a strong working relationship with Skowronek. Just as importantly, Skowronek remains one of the team's top special teams contributors.

Despite the increased competition at wide receiver, don't count him out. The battle could go either way, but fighting for a roster spot is nothing new for Skowronek.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 8:37 AM.