Pittsburgh Steelers camp news for July 28: GM Omar Khan signs safety Chuck Clark to a deep secondary as Coach Tomlin shuffles the offensive line at Latrobe.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Another day of training camp in Latrobe brought a mix of established strategy and exciting new developments. While the team officially welcomed veteran safety Chuck Clark to fortify an already star-studded secondary, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was busy shuffling the deck on the offensive line, cautioning everyone not to get ahead of themselves. The biggest takeaway from Monday? General Manager Omar Khan is building a defense to win now, while the offense remains a compelling work in progress.
Don’t read into Dylan Cook’s first-team snaps.
General Manager Omar Khan made another savvy move, officially bringing in veteran safety Chuck Clark. The signing, confirmed today, adds crucial depth and experience to a safety room that needed it. Khan emphasized the importance of veteran leadership, and Clark provides just that, joining high-profile acquisitions Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey. This move is a direct answer to the communication breakdowns that plagued the secondary last season, signaling a clear intent to build one of the league's most formidable defensive backfields.
On the field at Saint Vincent College, threatening skies couldn't stop the Steelers from getting their work in, including the fan-favorite 'seven shots' red zone drill. The biggest on-field storyline was offensive lineman Dylan Cook taking reps with the first team. However, Coach Mike Tomlin was quick to downplay the significance, stating plainly, 'Don’t read into Dylan Cook’s first-team snaps.' Tomlin stressed that the staff is still in the evaluation phase, rotating players to find the best combinations. On the injury front, the team finished practice without any major issues, though linebacker Jones did leave early and will be monitored.
While the veterans are shuffling, a rookie is making a definitive statement. Third-round pick Kaleb Johnson continues to turn heads with his performance. The running back from Iowa has consistently earned praise from beat reporters for his explosive burst and impressive vision. In a backfield looking to establish its depth chart, Johnson is quickly making a case for a significant role in the offense. His early camp performance is one of the most exciting developments for a team needing playmakers.
As camp unfolds, the oddsmakers in Vegas are taking a measured approach. The Steelers' Super Bowl odds currently sit at +3500, ranking them 15th in the NFL. This reflects a team in transition, particularly on offense, which is breaking in a new starting quarterback for the fifth consecutive season after Justin Fields' departure. Coming off two straight 10-7 seasons, the Steelers are projected as a fringe playoff team, but as fans know, this team often outperforms expectations.
As the first week of camp rolls on, the Steelers' identity for 2025 is beginning to take shape: a potentially dominant, veteran-led defense paired with an offense still searching for its footing. The addition of Chuck Clark is a significant win, but all eyes will remain on the offensive line combinations and the quarterback situation. The next big test will be the first practice in pads, where the real evaluation of players like Kaleb Johnson and Dylan Cook truly begins. Stay tuned, Steelers Nation, the journey is just getting started.
