As the Steelers navigate the early stages of their offseason, the front office isn’t just focused on the headline search for a new head coach. General manager Omar Khan is also quietly laying the groundwork for the 2026 roster, beginning to shape the 90-man group that will carry into spring workouts and training camp.
On Thursday, the team announced the addition of wide receiver Brandon Johnson and offensive lineman Doug Nester on reserve/futures contracts - a common move this time of year as teams look to build depth and competition ahead of OTAs.
Both Johnson and Nester are familiar faces in Pittsburgh. They spent time on the Steelers’ practice squad during the 2025 season, and now get another shot to stick with the team moving forward.
Johnson brings some NFL experience to the table, with 23 games under his belt. That includes a brief stint on the active roster in 2024, when he suited up for three games with the Steelers.
While he hasn’t put up gaudy numbers - 335 career receiving yards and five touchdowns - he’s shown flashes of playmaking ability. Wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni even called him a “sneaky good player” during the summer, a nod to Johnson’s ability to make an impact when given the opportunity.
At 27, Johnson still has enough tread on the tires to carve out a role, especially in a receiver room that could see some turnover this offseason.
As for Nester, he’s still waiting on his first taste of regular season NFL action, but the Steelers clearly see potential. He played his college ball at West Virginia, where he showcased versatility by starting at both guard and tackle.
That kind of flexibility is always valuable on the offensive line, especially for a team looking to build depth and reinforce protection around a still-developing offense. Nester also has a built-in connection with Steelers center Zach Frazier - the two were teammates in Morgantown, which could help ease his transition as he competes for a roster spot.
These reserve/futures deals may not make headlines, but they’re the kind of under-the-radar moves that help build the foundation of a team’s offseason program. For Johnson and Nester, it’s another chance to prove they belong - and for the Steelers, it’s about finding the right mix of talent, depth, and upside as they begin turning the page toward 2026.