The Pittsburgh Steelers should feel confident in their depth at wide receiver heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. With Diontae Johnson and George Pickens set to be the featured pass catchers next season, the team also brought in Allen Robinson II via trade this week and are slated to have 2022 fourth-round pick, Calvin Austin III return from injury after not playing a single snap in his rookie season.
These players will almost certainly be the Steelers' top four receivers in 2023 and will play a large majority of the snaps on the offense. Historically speaking, the team typically keeps five or six pass catchers on the active roster during any given season.
Jared Wickerham Pittsburgh Steelers
Diontae Johnson running downfield vs Indianapolis.
The Steelers already have a few options on their current roster to occupy the final two spots at receiver in Anthony Miller, Gunner Olszewski and Cody White. Both Miller and Olszewski are undersized, slot receivers who possess the ability to add value as a return specialist, making it unlikely that both of them crack the initial 53-man roster.
White has spent most of his time with the Steelers on the practice squad over the past two seasons, only appearing in one game in 2022. Without question, his best opportunity in making the roster is contributing on special teams, which is something the Steelers expect out of their backup wide receivers.
The team may also consider re-signing Miles Boykin, who played especially well for the organization on special teams in 2022, serving as the team's gunner in punt formation. Boykin also potentially adds value in the red zone due to his tremendous size. At 6'4" and 220 pounds, he is certainly an intriguing option for the Steelers talk to once again about a backup role.
However, he is currently a free agent and may end up deciding to play elsewhere in 2023 if the right opportunity presents itself. If Boykin does decides to play elsewhere in 2023, the Steelers may find themselves in the market for a veteran wide receiver who can play on both offense and special teams.
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Steelers Miles Boykin
Could The Steelers Bring Back A Familiar Face If They Don't Draft A Wide Receiver?
Assuming the Steelers keep six receivers on the initial 53-man roster, this leaves two spots open for players such as Miller, Olszewski, White, and potentially Boykin.
Additionally, the team may choose to add to this positional group with one of their seventh-round selections during the 2023 NFL Draft. However, should the team decide to forego adding a rookie wide receiver, there is one veteran free agent who has ties to Pittsburgh and may have at least some interest in returning: former-second round pick, James Washington.
Washington parted ways with the Steelers in 2022 after inking a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately for him, his stay in Dallas was far from successful as he only appeared in two games and did not record a single reception.
He was released from the team in January of 2023 and was subsequently picked up by the New York Giants a week later, only to have his practice squad contract expire following the Giants' loss during the 2023 NFL Playoffs. He is currently a free agent.
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Former Steelers' WR, James Washington
While Washington flashed potential of being a viable option on the offensive side of the ball during his time in Pittsburgh, he would need to prove the ability to play on special teams if a hypothetical reunion were to take place.
With the Steelers already having their top four receivers in order, the remaining players at the positional group would need to be willing to accept a role playing with Danny Smith's group. If Washington is open to the idea of doing so, he may be an option for the Steelers heading into 2023.
The idea of Washington returning to Pittsburgh may be a bit of a stretch, especially when you consider how he was not fully given a fair opportunity to start at wide receiver during his four seasons with the Steelers, but from a schematic standpoint, it makes sense. Washington is potentially on the verge of not making an NFL roster due to his disappointing 2022 season and the Steelers are in the market for a reliable, backup receiver.
Omar Khan and the front office should certainly entertain the idea of adding a rookie pass-catcher during the 2023 NFL Draft. However, if for whatever reason this does not take place, the team may look to the free agency pool to round out the receiver room.
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Former Steelers' WR, James Washington Against The Detroit Lions
A similar situation unfolded for the Steelers in 2022, as the team added free agent safety, Damontae Kazee following the 2022 NFL Draft after opting not to add to the position with any of their selections. Could this Steelers continue this trend in 2023 with a player such as Washington? Difficult to answer, but not completely out of the realm of possibility.
If the former second-round pick is willing to accept a limited role on offense and primarily play on special teams, he may be an option to serve as a backup next season.
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
How would yinz feel about a possible reunion between Washington and the Steelers? Do you think he would have any interest in coming back? Apart from Washington, what players do you think would fill out the wide receiver room well? Are there any prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft you have your eye on? Leave a comment!
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