The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves this offseason, with one of the biggest being the decision to trade away star wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This left a noticeable gap in their receiving corps. To address this, they brought in several wide receivers, including Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller.
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Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson during his time with the Los Angeles Rams.
Replacing Johnson and his contributions to the offense won't be easy. The Steelers have been actively seeking help at the position throughout the offseason. Among the new additions, Jefferson is the most likely to step up and exceed expectations during the 2024 season—a performance the Steelers will desperately need. Jefferson is confident he can deliver over 1,000 receiving yards for the Steelers. If he achieves this, the Steelers' receiving room will be in good shape.
Jefferson, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has played four seasons in the NFL. He started his career with the Los Angeles Rams before joining the Atlanta Falcons for 12 games in 2023. Jefferson has the advantage of familiarity with the system in Pittsburgh, having been coached by the Steelers' new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith.
New Steelers WR Van Jefferson on Steelers coach Mike Tomlin
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) June 4, 2024
(When you get to Pittsburgh you quickly become aware Tomlin hasn’t had a losing season) pic.twitter.com/JkACGDtIy5
During Organized Team Activities, Jefferson spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on being coached by Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
“Just an awesome coach and awesome human being. Someone that takes pride in coaching and loves the game of football. You want that as a football coach. Being on the outside and now seeing the inside, it is totally different. I didn’t know that he didn’t have a losing season until I came here. That is just a testament to the work he has put in and how great of a coach he is.”
During his remarkable 17 seasons coaching the Steelers, Tomlin has never had a losing season, a feat that has earned him respect as one of the greatest coaches in the game today. His legendary tenure in Pittsburgh has been incredible, yet it hasn't stopped some fans from calling for his termination.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin getting the team going during OTAs.
In the 2023 season, the Steelers endured a three-game losing streak, prompting calls from fans for the end of the Tomlin era. However, the team bounced back with three straight wins and managed to sneak into the playoffs—a scenario fans have become accustomed to in recent years. The Steelers are hopeful that in the 2024 season, Tomlin can lead them out of their playoff drought, as they haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season.
While regular season wins and winning seasons are challenging to achieve consistently in the NFL, they are ultimately meaningless without a Super Bowl victory. Steelers fans are used to seeing their team compete for Super Bowls, but recently, the team has not been in those conversations. This offseason, the Steelers made several significant moves to try and revitalize their offense and return to championship contention.
Steelers' Van Jefferson Must Be Big Time In 2024
Jefferson will need to step up and significantly improve on his 2023 performance. Last season, he caught 20 passes for 209 receiving yards and scored zero touchdowns while playing for two different teams. It was a challenging season for him, but he now has an opportunity to rebound in Pittsburgh and elevate his stock in a new environment with ample opportunity.
Miguel Martinez / Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson attempts to make a catch during a regular season football game.
Aside from George Pickens, the Steelers' wide receiver room lacks depth. Jefferson has a strong chance to outpace Watkins, Miller, and Calvin Austin III for targets in 2024. Steelers fans are hopeful that Jefferson can surprise the pundits and have a breakout season in his first year in the Steel City. If he can achieve that, the Steelers' offense should be thriving.
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