Pittsburgh Steelers fourth-round pick Kaden Wetjen said he is open to lining up in the backfield and motioning out as a receiver on offense. The Iowa wide receiver, primarily valued for his return skills, aims to rank as a top-three punt and kick returner in his rookie NFL season. The selection has drawn criticism from former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden.
Kaden Wetjen, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, discussed the team's offensive vision for him during an interview on Iowa’s News Now YouTube channel Monday. “They talked a little about ball and some play calls during the season that we had. And how they think I should be used, being a running back, motioning out to receiver, and being involved in the backfield as well,” Wetjen said. He noted his high school experience at running back and college carries of 23 for 132 yards and two touchdowns make the role familiar to him. “Completely open to it.”In a separate interview with KCRG on Sunday, Wetjen set high goals for his return duties. “My goal this year is to be a top-three returner in the league, both punt and kick return wise,” he said. At Iowa, he recorded six return touchdowns—four on punts and two on kicks—plus 54 punt returns for 954 yards and 56 kick returns for 1,538 yards. His 2025 offensive stats included 20 receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown, alongside 15 carries for 79 yards and two scores.The pick faced backlash, including from former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden on his Deebo and Joe podcast Monday. “Him in the fourth round, they have to have a plan. Because that pick right there was crazy,” Haden said. “I’m not picking just a returner in the fourth round.” Steelers offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy emphasized position versatility, a trait Wetjen shares with seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich. Pittsburgh struggled with returns recently, ranking low after losing Calvin Austin III in free agency.