The Steelers are not wasting any time shuffling their wide receiver room this summer. On Monday, the team brought in a new contender for a tryout, and the name on the roster is Ben Patterson. According to reports, Pittsburgh recently worked out the wide receiver. The team did not sign him immediately as of this report. This move shows the front office is looking for any edge they can find before the regular season starts.
A Giant With Real Speed
Patterson played college football at the University of Texas Permian Basin. He is not a small guy, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds. His best season came in 2025, when he recorded 32 catches for 678 yards and five touchdowns. He earned a spot on the Second-Team All-Lone Star Conference Offense that year. He also logged an impressive 21.2 yards per catch in his final collegiate season. Those numbers tell us he can stretch the field and beat defenders deep.
His physical tools are likely what drew the NFL interest. Patterson scored a strong 8.49 RAS before the draft. Listed at 6’5″ and 220 pounds, he reportedly ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash. That speed for a man that size is rare. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, but signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a UDFA before being waived Aug. 2. He is the second-ever UTPB product to receive an NFL contract offer. The Steelers clearly want to see if he can do it here.
Can He Beat The Veterans?
Let’s be honest. The Steelers have a crowded room at wide receiver right now. They have veterans who know the system and have made plays in big games. Bringing in a rookie who was just cut by another team feels like a long shot. But that is exactly how the NFL works. You bring in fresh bodies to push the guys already on the roster. If Patterson makes a splash in camp, he forces the coaches to look at him twice.
The size and speed combo is hard to ignore. A 6’5″ receiver who runs a 4.45 is a nightmare for cornerbacks. If the quarterback can get him the ball, he could be a weapon on deep routes. The question is whether he can learn the playbook fast enough. Training camp moves fast, and mistakes get you sent home. Patterson has the raw tools to make a case, but he needs to show he belongs.
The Next Step For Patterson
The next step is simple.
Sources: Behind the Steel Curtain (SBN Steelers), Behind the Steel Curtain (SBN Steelers), Behind the Steel Curtain (SBN Steelers), Behind the Steel Curtain (SBN Steelers), Behind the Steel Curtain (SBN Steelers)
