Upgrading at wide receiver was near the top of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ to-do list this offseason, and they didn’t hesitate to add talent to that room. Most notably, they traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and moved up in the second round of the draft to take Germie Bernard. While Pittman figures to be the team’s No. 2 receiver, it’s unclear what Bernard’s role will be as a rookie. However, Pittman is impressed with what he’s seen from Bernard so far.
“I think he came in the right way,” Pittman said Monday via the team’s website. “I think that he has put his head down and he’s working hard and he’s executing plays. He’s been here for two weeks now, and I feel like he already knows everything. Whatever he’s doing is working and I think he’s gonna keep on getting better.”
Pittman hasn’t been a Steeler for very long, either, but he’s still had more time to get acclimated to the team than Bernard. Also, Pittman has been in the league since 2020. Even though this is his first time switching teams, he’s still got a lot of experience to fall back on.
Meanwhile, Bernard wasn’t even a first-round pick so it wouldn’t be shocking if it took him time to get used to the NFL. Many Day 2 picks have come along slowly in the past. Look at Roman Wilson. He was the Steelers’ third-round pick in 2024, but he hasn’t contributed much in his two NFL seasons.
However, Pittman likes what he sees from Bernard at this point. It’s still early, so it’s important not to overreact. Bernard being a quick study should help him contribute this year, though, especially with Aaron Rodgers under center.
It has often been a process, sometimes a protracted one, for Rodgers to form a good connection with rookie receivers. Even players as good as Davante Adams have needed time to get on the same page as Rodgers. While that could hinder Bernard’s chances to contribute this year, it sounds like he’s taking the right steps to earn the quarterback’s trust.
It would be nice if Bernard could ultimately slot into the No. 3 receiver spot for 2026. He looks like a good complement to Pittman and DK Metcalf. However, patience is important with rookies, too. There’s no need to panic if Bernard starts slow.