Story by
Four Steelers Whose Training Camp Could Change the Course of Their Careers
- Story by
- Four Steelers Whose Training Camp Could Change the Course of Their Careers
The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin training camp at Saint Vincent College this week . When they report to Latrobe, a new era of Steelers football will begin. Mike McCarthy will become the first head coach not named Mike Tomlin to lead the team onto Chuck Noll Field since 2007. He and his staff will have plenty of players to evaluate.
Some of those players could experience career-changing training camps, while others could face setbacks if things don't go their way. The NFL is a league built on opportunity, and players who capitalize on their chances can significantly alter the course of their careers. Here are four Steelers who could change the trajectory of their careers during training camp.
Advertisement
Spencer Anderson
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Spencer Anderson (74) reacts after a flag is thrown against the Steelers during the second half in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 2025.reuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27428471:1953056153
Spencer Anderson has a chance to accomplish two major goals during training camp. Not only could he win a starting job, but he also might earn a contract extension. However, Anderson controls his own fate. This is the opportunity he has patiently worked toward since the Steelers selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft .
A strong camp could completely change the trajectory of Anderson's career. If things don't go as planned, however, he could remain in the same sixth offensive lineman role. Still, Anderson should have every opportunity to seize a significant role if he performs well.
Advertisement
Sebastian Castro
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) and linebacker Eku Leota (53) take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Last season, the Steelers lost Sebastian Castro to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after they signed him off Pittsburgh 's practice squad. Now back with the Steelers, Castro has another opportunity to prove he belongs on the active roster in 2026. He also can demonstrate that he is capable of serving as a reliable backup at both safety and slot corner.
Castro entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa with the versatility to play both safety and slot corner . That versatility is a highly coveted trait in the NFL. His performance in training camp could determine the next step in his career. It could be the difference between earning a spot on the 53-man roster, returning to the practice squad, or searching for another opportunity elsewhere.
Advertisement
Donte Kent
Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Kent (34) participates in drills during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2026:newsml_MT1USATODAY29159084:985730192
Donte Kent was dealt a difficult hand by injuries last season. Now, he has the chance to prove he deserves a role on the Steelers' 2026 roster. Not only can he play both boundary and slot corner , but he also was an outstanding returner in college. Although he faces an uphill battle after missing all of last season, his potential remains intriguing.
Kent's draft status and rookie-season injury make his path even more challenging. After all, Kent and the Steelers watched Cory Trice Jr. face similar circumstances . Now, Trice is no longer in the league. Can Kent avoid the same fate?
Advertisement
Will Howard
May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2026:newsml_MT1USATODAY29076144:538187167
Make no mistake, Howard might be the favorite to secure the backup quarterback job , but he still has plenty at stake. He must not only prove he deserves the backup role , but also show enough to be considered a legitimate candidate for the starting job in 2027. If everything goes according to plan, he could put himself in position for that opportunity.
However, Howard has not played a snap since entering the league, not even in the preseason. If things don't go as planned, he has plenty to lose. Not only could he lose the backup job, but he also could lose the opportunity to shape his own future with the franchise.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
