Steelers Recent Free Agent Signings Signifying Team Should Be Closing In On An Easy Decision To Release 1 Former All Pro

One of the biggest disappointments for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2022 season came from wide receiver and returner, Gunner Olszewski. Olszewski had some muffed punts and only had seven passing targets directed at him which means the Steelers may take a look at possibly parting ways with him when making the final decisions for the 53-man roster.

One Reason That The Steelers Would Keep Olszewski

The sole purpose of having Olszewski on the roster was for him to return kicks and punts, which he did not do too well overall. Steven Sims was the one who took on most of the returning for the 2022 season because of Olszewski's performance. Sims has now signed with the Houston Texans for the 2023 season on a one-year contract. This leaves the question, who will be returning for the Steelers this year? 

This would be the one reason that the Steelers could keep Olszewski. If they have him as a veteran player to help someone or potentially take on the role of return specialist, that would be the only logical reason for having him stay in Pittsburgh. Calvin Austin III, however, is a perfect candidate for the job. Austin III missed the entirety of his 2022 rookie season due to a foot injury. We have no clue what he is capable of doing in the NFL. We do know that he's capable of being a solid return man.

During his time at the University of Memphis, he was the team's punt returner. His best performance was in a game against Mississippi State where he took a 94-yard punt to the house. This helped Memphis to win the game, 31-29. If he can have those types of performances in the NFL, he would be a much more valuable asset to the Steelers compared to Olszewski.

The biggest reason why Olszewski could be gone is because of how many wide receivers the Steelers have on their current roster. Recently, they added Cody Chrest to the receiving room. This makes for the 14th wide receiver on the current roster. It is obvious that cuts will need to be made since teams usually have six or seven receivers on their 53-man roster at the start of the NFL season.

It will be a close race, but Olszewski is unlikely to make the cut following his rough 2022 season. The Steelers will go with six receivers on their 53-man roster including Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Austin III, Miles Boykin and former XFL standout, Hakeem Butler could surprise everyone and make it.

Olszewski's lack of receiving is the big thing that will hold him back from getting a roster spot. With Austin, he has the ability to not only be a solid return man but play as a solid receiver option as well. Since Olszewski isn't elite at returning, it seems pointless to keep a player who has less than 200 receiving yards in his four years in the NFL.

So what do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you think Olszewski will make the 53-man roster? Let me know in the comments below!

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