2026 Steelers Training Camp Preview: What Can Donte Kent Bring To The Table?

For some, second‑year defensive back and punt returner Donte Kent has become a forgotten figure.

After spending his 2025 rookie season on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ injured reserve, the organization has reshaped much of its secondary — drafting Georgia standout Daylen Everett in the third round, bringing back Asante Samuel Jr., and adding veteran corner Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker through free agency.

With those additions, Kent’s role will depend on how effectively he can carve out a niche on special teams and in sub‑packages, particularly as a slot defender capable of matching quickness with quickness. Coming out of Central Michigan, he was praised for his short‑area burst and physicality — traits that still translate in a crowded room.

What remains unknown is how a year away from the field has shaped his development. The Steelers must determine whether mental reps, film study, and time in the weight room have elevated him enough to compete with players who logged meaningful snaps in 2025.

What should not be overlooked is Kent’s athletic profile. At his 2024 Pro Day, he recorded a 4.38 in the 40‑yard dash and a 38.5‑inch vertical jump — explosiveness that fueled his playmaking at Central Michigan and should give him a competitive edge entering training camp.

Kent’s clearest path to relevance may come through special teams, where his experience as both a punt returner and gunner offers an early opportunity to reestablish himself. If he proves reliable there, the coaching staff can gradually expand his defensive responsibilities and allow him to demonstrate his value to the roster.